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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 



THE ENRICHMENT OF 
PRAYER 



Compiled by 

DAVID R. PORTER 



ASSOCIATION PRESS 

New York: 124 East 28th Street 
1918 






> v . * 



> U- [ 



^ 



Copyright, 1918, by 

The International Committee of 

Young Men's Christian Associations 



MAY -3 1918 



©GI.A495969 




CONTENTS 

I. The Enrichment of Prayer 1 

II. Encouragements to Prayer 11 

III. Suggestions About How to Pray. . 25 

IV. Prayers for Use in the Morning . . 37 
V. Prayers for Use in the Evening. . 49 

VI. For Our Special Needs 57 

VII. Prayers for Others and Thanks- 
givings 95 

VIII. For Special Occasions, Including 

Times of War 123 

IX. Special Services of Prayer 149 

X. Meditations for a Week 165 

XL Books of Devotion 185 

XII. Prayers in Verse 189 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 



I 

THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

I 

It is hoped that this collection of prayers and 
meditations may be of help to those who want 
to learn to pray. We have to learn to pray. 
In the heart of the youngest there is an instinct 
of prayer — a longing for God and a reaching out 
of our nature to God. Prayer is as much of an 
instinct as breathing. It is breathing: the vital, 
sustaining breath of the soul. It is of little 
value, therefore, to argue with a man that he 
ought to pray. All men do pray, or at least did 
so in youth before they stifled their natural de- 
sire for fellowship with God. But much of this 
kind of prayer is crude and uninformed. There 
is an infinite difference between this and Chris- 
tian prayer, as revealed to us in our Lord Jesus 
Christ. It is well to remember that He who 
knew more about prayer than anyone did not 
argue about prayer; He prayed. When the dis- 
ciples saw Jesus pray, they recalled their own 
wandering, superficial, selfish, resultless prayers 
and they came to Him in private with the earnest 
request, "Lord, teach us to pray." 
3 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 



II 



One of the most helpful devotional books is 
called "With Christ in the School of Prayer." 
This title is suggestive. It suggests that if we 
make earnest with our prayer life — as we should 
with the most serious work in the world — we 
must take more than one lesson in prayer. It 
should be a daily and sustained exercise. Do we 
not all continually need fresh and enriching 
lessons? Who of us is not ashamed of the ir- 
regularity and poverty of his prayer life? 

This title suggests also that Christ is the great 
teacher of prayer. We can have no more profit- 
able task than making a careful study in the 
gospels of His teaching and practice in prayer. 
If He could not live His life and do His work 
without constant and unreserved prayer, how 
foolish of us to attempt it. He needed prayer 
less than anyone who has ever lived, but He knew 
such deep experiences with God that He is our 
best example and teacher. There are many 
other ways in which we may learn to pray bet- 
ter: by reading devotional books, by personal 
Bible study, and most of all simply by praying. 
But the association with those who have learned 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

how to pray will teach us more than anything 
else. 

Ill 

In this way this book may help. We may 
associate not only with those who are now liv- 
ing but, in a sense, with those in all the cen- 
turies past who in their turn have been with 
Christ in the school of prayer. We can profit 
by their experience and enjoy the rich treasures 
of spiritual lives. In those churches where writ- 
ten prayers are not regularly used, we are likely 
to miss the contribution to our prayer life which 
such communion with the saints so abundantly 
affords. It is a misfortune if the fear of for- 
malism is so strong that one refuses to make any 
use of such prayers. For those of us who are 
young in Christian experience there is special 
helpfulness in a limited and studied use of some 
of these gems of devotional literature. For our 
chief difficulty is not in our longings for God's 
power, guidance, and companionship — how real 
these are only youth knows — but rather in our 
inability to express ourselves in fitting and ade- 
quate words. We are quite capable of under- 
standing deep truths when they are clearly for- 
mulated by others, even though we are not yet 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

able to formulate for ourselves statements at 
all adequate to our visions and convictions. So 
we sometimes gain measureless profit from the 
heartfelt use of some simple prayer, which may 
be the gathering-up in a few sincere sentences 
of a whole lifetime of precious personal fellow- 
ship with Christ. In no way, of course, will 
these prayers take the place of daily, personal, 
private prayer. "They may be used when the 
heart is full but wordless. They may suggest 
thoughts of prayer in the busy and distracting 
hours of the day." 

It will be noted that without any attempt to 
make a historical list of prayers, those here giv- 
en have been written by men of many centuries 
and of many diverse creeds. The sources given 
are at once, therefore, an acknowledgment of in- 
debtedness and an evidence of that real unity 
which characterizes those, of whatever age and 
creed, who have seen "the light of the knowl- 
edge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus 
Christ." 

In most cases where no authorship is indi- 
cated, it has not been possible to locate the origi- 
nal source of the prayer. Many of the choicest 
selections, like ancient palimpsests, show rever- 
ent changes made by earnest souls in many ages. 
6 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 



IV 



It may be useful to suggest a few counsels 
which come to us as the almost universal experi- 
ence of those who have made real headway in 
learning to pray. 

1. No time of day is so conducive to profit- 
able prayer as the morning. It is unfortunate 
that so many pray only once a day and then 
at night. In the morning our minds are re- 
freshed from sleep and undisturbed as yet by the 
cares and work of the day. Then we need God's 
help most as we go out to mingle with others 
in the day's work. An interesting movement 
is developing among Christian college students, 
namely, the keeping of the Morning Watch. By 
this is meant the giving of half an hour as 
early in the day as possible to Bible reading, 
meditation, and prayer. Will you not enlist in 
this movement. 1 

2. To avoid the disturbances of a busy day 
some find it best, whenever possible, to spend 
their Morning Watch before dressing. If they 
wait until they bathe and dress, it is much hard- 
er to keep their quiet time uninterrupted. 

1 See "The Morning Watch** by John R. Mott, Association Press, 
five cents. 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

3. Prepare for the Morning Watch the night 
before. This will mean in many cases resolute 
adherence to a rule of early retiring. It will 
also mean before sleep comes putting one's 
mind in an attitude of calmness and receptivity 
to heavenly impressions. In a striking phrase, 
the truth of which both experience and modern 
psychology attest, the Psalmist, according to 
the Revised Version, says, "He giveth unto His 
beloved in sleep." 

"Then comes the Spirit to our hut 
"When fast the senses 9 doors are shut, 
For so divine and pure a guest 
The emptiest rooms are furnished best." 

4. Make the regular periods of prayer 
vital and real at all costs. This will re- 
quire practice in concentration and the observ- 
ance of those conditions, physical and mental, 
which help us to guard against wandering 
thoughts. A change in posture will sometimes 
help. In kneeling with closed eyes we assume 
our natural position of humility and worship be- 
fore God. "The world is shut out, in order that 
God may be supreme and that we may see no 
man save Jesus only." But the one all-important 

8 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

thing is our communion with God, and some- 
times standing or walking may be of greater 
help to us. Sometimes it is well to pray aloud 
or to write out our prayers. We should guard 
this point and never become for a single day 
content with wasted moments or mere repetition 
of words during our times of prayer. "Saying 
prayers" is a habit to be early abandoned for 
more satisfying fellowship with a loving God. 

5. Learn new aspects of prayer in common 
worship. There are untold messages for us in 
united prayer and even in united silence. Strive 
to use the Holy Communion, or Lord's Supper, 
as a real "means of grace." 

6. Never give up if reality is hard to seek 
and you come upon "barren times." Like all 
things worth while, prayer costs. 

7. Allow no rush of work or of pleas- 
ure to crowd out time for prayer. Luther once 
said, "I have much work to do today, so I will 
arise an hour earlier in order to have time for 
quiet prayer." Those who make a rule of the 
Morning Watch should resolve never to allow 
a single exception. When away on vacations, or 
sleeping in the same room with others, on camp- 
ing parties when we sleep under the stars, or 

9 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

out in the thick of life's work, cling unshakably 
to the regular observance of this life-giving 
habit 



Lord, Teach Us to Pray 

OUR Father, Which art in Heaven, Hallowed 
be Thy name. 
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, 

as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive 

us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 

from evil: 
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and 

the glory, forever. Amen. 



10 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 



II 

ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

WHY sayest thou, Jacob, and speakest, 
Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and 
the justice due to me is passed away from my 
God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not 
heard? The everlasting God, Jehovah, the Cre- 
ator of the ends of the earth, f ainteth not, neither 
is weary; there is no searching of his under- 
standing. He giveth power to the faint; and to 
him that hath no might he increaseth strength. 
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and 
the young men shall utterly fall: but they that 
wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they 
shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and 
not faint.— Isaiah 40:27-31. 

r 1^0 pray in all places where quietness invit- 
-■- eth; in any house, highway, or street; and 
to know no street in this city that may not wit- 
ness that I have not forgotten God and my 
Saviour in it; and that no parish or town where 
I have been may not say the like. To take occa- 
sion of praying upon the sight of any church 
which I see, or pass by, as I ride about. To 

13 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

pray daily, and particularly for my sick patients, 
and for all sick people under whose care soever. 
And at the entrance into the house of the sick 
to say, "The peace and the mercy of God be upon 
this house." After a sermon to make a prayer 
and desire a blessing, and to pray for the min- 
ister. — Sir Thomas Browne, 1605-1682. 

ORD, what a change within us one short hour 
-■-^ Spent in Thy presence will avail to make! 

What heavy burdens from our bosoms take; 
What parched grounds refresh, as with a shower ! 

We kneel, and all around us seems to lower; 
We rise, and all the distant and the near 
Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear. 

We kneel, how weak! we rise, how full of power! 

Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this 

wrong, 
Or others, that we are not always strong; 

That we are ever overborne with care; 

That we should ever weak or heartless be, 
Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer, 
And joy and strength and courage are with 
Thee? 
Archbishop R. C. Trench, 1807-1886, 

14 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

NO soul can preserve the bloom and delicacy 
of its existence without lonely musing and 
silent prayer: and the greatness of this necessity 
is in proportion to the greatness of the soul. 
There were many times during our Lord's min- 
istry when, even from the loneliness of desert 
places, He dismissed His most faithful and most 
beloved, that He might be yet more alone. — Dean 
F. W. Farrar 9 1831-1903. 

PRIVATE prayer, when it is real action, is 
the greatest forge of personality. It places 
a man in direct and effective contact with God, 
the Creator, the source of originality, and espe- 
cially with God, the Redeemer, as the source of 
our new creation. . . . 

Prayer is for the religious life what original 
research is for science — by it we get direct 
contact with reality. — P. /. Forsyth. 

RUBINSTEIN, the great musical composer, 
once said: "If I do not practice for a day 
I know it; if I miss two days my friends know 
it; and if I miss three days the public knows it." 
May not the same be said of the practice of the 
presence of God and the practice of the service 

15 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

of man? May not the lack of harmony in one's 
relation to the Infinite and the false notes struck 
in one's relation to men be explained by the 
neglect of daily devotions and service? — Robert 
P. Wilder. 

IF the chosen soul could never be alone 
In deep mid-silence, open-doored to God, 
No greatness ever had been dreamed or done; 
The nurse of full-grown souls is solitude. 

James R. Lowell, 1819-1891. 

MORE things are wrought by prayer 
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore 
let thy voice 
Rise like a fountain for me night and day. 
For what are men better than sheep or goats 
That nourish a blind life within the brain, 
If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer 
Both for themselves and those who call them 

friend? 
For so the whole round earth is every way 
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God. 
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1809-1892. 



16 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

FOR from of old men have not heard, nor 
perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye 
seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him 
that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that 
rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that 
remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou wast 
wroth, and we sinned: in them have we been of 
long time; and shall we be saved? For we are 
all become as one that is unclean, and all our 
righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and 
we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like 
the wind, take us away. And there is none that 
calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself 
to take hold of thee; for thou hast hid thy face 
from us, and hast consumed us by means of our 
iniquities. But now, Jehovah, thou art our 
Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and 
we all are the work of thy hand — Isaiah 64:4-8. 

L/'OR there is nothing that makes us love a 
■*- man so much as praying for him; and when 
you can once do this sincerely for any man, you 
have fitted your soul for the performance of 
everything that is kind and civil toward him. 
This will fill your heart with a generosity and 
tenderness that will give you a better and sweet- 

17 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

er behavior than anything that is called fine 
breeding and good manners. — William Law, 
1686-1761. 

"DERNARD . . . considering the great pa- 
-*-* tience of St. Francis . . . invited him to 
his house and had a bed prepared for him in his 
room. Francis, believing that Bernard was 
asleep, rose from his bed and betook himself to 
prayer, raising his hands to heaven with the 
greatest fervor of devotion, and saying, "My 
God, my God!" and so, shedding many tears, he 
remained till morning, continually repeating 
"My God, my God!" and nothing more. Ber- 
nard, seeing the devout acts of Francis . . . was 
touched and inspired by the Holy Ghost to 
change his life. — "Little Flowers of St. Francis." 

FT is worth while making any efforts, however 
-*- desperate, to learn to pray. , . . Often when 
I desire to see the Truth come home to any man, 
I say to myself, "If I have him here he will 
spend half an hour with me. Instead, I will 
spend that half-hour in prayer for him." — Forbes 
Robinson. 



18 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

IN nothing be anxious; but in everything by 
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 
let your requests be made known unto God. And 
the peace of God, which passeth all understand- 
ing, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts 
in Christ Jesus. — Phil. 4:6, 7. 

WHAT I am trying to do is precisely to get 
away from the ordinary, conventional 
ideas about prayer, and to carry our minds to 
the point of view of those who knew more about 
it by experience than most of us have attained 
to — people like Saint Augustine, Saint Bernard, 
Saint Teresa, Brother Lawrence and many 
others; and behind them the apostles and 
prophets on whom the Church is built; and 
behind them Jesus Christ Himself the head 
Corner-Stone. All these knew by vivid, com- 
pelling personal experience that prayer is not 
a mere telephoning to God to ask Him to do 
things, but a developing life, an expanding, 
deepening, heightening, intensifying, of the 
whole being, by allowing it to be drawn in the 
embrace of God nearer and nearer to Himself. — 
"Self -training in Prayer" by A. H. McNeile. 



19 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

WHO ever managed a greater empire than 
Constantine? Yet "every day," as Euse- 
bius reporteth, "at stated times shutting himself 
up, he alone privately did converse with his 
God." — Isaac Barrow 9 1614-1650; quoted by 
Bishop Boyd Carpenter. 

AS we look back over the history of the world, 
we cannot help being struck by the fact 
that the men of prayer are the men of power. 
There is a connection in history between prayer 
and power. Take, for instance, the great re- 
former of the past century, who was able to 
break down the most determined opposition to 
his reforms, and to free the little children of 
England from terrible slavery — Lord Shaftes- 
bury. What was the secret of his supernatural 
power? If we read his life we shall see. That 
man was praying continually. He was praying 
in the House of Commons before he made his 
speeches; he was praying in everything he did. 
It would not be intelligent reading of biography 
to disconnect his prayer from his power. Or 
take General Gordon, who left us the record of 
a stainless soldier who could stand alone. What 
gave him the strength to do it? Here, again, we 

20 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

cannot intelligently disconnect his extraordinary 
power, his extraordinary personal influence, 
from the white handkerchief outside his tent, so 
regularly placed there two or three times a day, 
which meant that General Gordon was at his 
prayers. Continuous prayer brings personal 
power. — James Hastings. 

STONEWALL JACKSON had also acquired 
this habit of reminding himself of the pres- 
ence of Christ. He literally carried the saintli- 
ness of the cloister into the turmoil of the camp. 
He began each day with an unhurried time of 
Bible study and secret prayer. It is said he 
prayed without ceasing while under fire as well 
as in camp. — John R. Mott. 

ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye 
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened 
unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; 
and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that 
knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is 
there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for 
a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask 
for a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, 
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto 

21 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

your children, how much more shall your 
Father who is in heaven give good things to 
them that ask him? — Matt. 7:7-11. 



IT is a great word in the letter to the Hebrews 
which declares that we "may find grace to 
help us in time of need." I have always felt 
that I should like to discover some idiom of my 
own language which would gather the thought of 
the Greek phrase, and I am not sure but that it is 
perfectly done by saying that the message de- 
clares we may find grace to help us "in the nick 
of time." — G. Campbell Morgan. 

T) E not afraid to pray — to pray is right. 
-"-"* Pray, if thou canst, with hope ; but ever pray, 
Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay : 
Pray in the darkness, if there be no light. 

Far is the time, remote from human sight, 
When war and discord on the earth shall cease, 
Yet every prayer for universal peace 

Avails the blessed time to expedite. 

Whate'er is good to wish, that ask of Heaven, 
Though it be that thou canst not hope to see; 

22 



ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER 

Pray to be perfect, though the material leaven 
Forbid the spirit so on earth to be; 

But if for any wish thou darest not pray 
Then pray to God to cast that wish away. 

Hartley Coleridge, 1796-1849. 

T)EHOLD, I stand at the door and knock: if 
-*--* any man hear my voice and open the door, 
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and 
he with me. — Rev. 3 :20. 



23 



SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PRAY 



Ill 

SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PRAY 

METHINKS I was as if I had seen Him . . . 
walk through the world from the cradle 
to the Cross, to which also when He came I saw 
how gently He gave Himself to be hanged and 
nailed upon it for my sins and wicked doings 
... 0, friends, cry to God to reveal Jesus Christ 
to you. . . . There is none teacheth like Him. — 
"Grace Abounding" by John Bunyan 9 1628- 
1688. 

THERE are two things which make our Lord's 
example in the life of prayer of special sig- 
nificance. In the first place, if ever anyone 
could have dispensed with prayer, it was He. In 
the second place, His experience tried out the 
whole reality of prayer. Whatever He found in 
it, we may be sure is there. — Robert E. Speer. 

GOD requires no great matters of us: a little 
remembrance of Him from time to time; a 
little adoration ; sometimes to pray for His grace, 
sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, and 

27 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

sometimes to return Him thanks for the favors 
He has given you, and still gives you, in the 
midst of your troubles, and to console yourself 
with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your 
heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and 
when you are in company: the least little re- 
membrance will always be acceptable to Him. 
You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us 
than we are aware of. 

It is not necessary for being with God to be 
always at church: we may make an oratory of 
our heart wherein to retire from time to time to 
converse with Him in meekness, humility, and 
love. Every one is capable of such familiar 
conversation with God, some more, some less: 
He knows what we can do. Let us begin, then. 
Perhaps He expects but one generous resolution 
on our part. Have courage. We have but little 
time to live. . . . Let us live and die with God. 
Sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us while 
we are with Him ; and the greatest pleasures will 
be, without Him, a cruel punishment to us. . . . 

Accustom yourself, then, by degrees thus to 
worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him 
your heart from time to time in the midst of 
your business, even every moment if you can. 

28 



SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY 

Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to 
certain rules, or particular forms of devotion, 
but act with a general confidence in God, with 
love and humility. — Brother Lawrence. 

Cautions to Those Who Pray 

THE Spirit of God will not dwell in a divided 
heart. We cannot feel the pleasures of 
devotion while the world is our delight. 

2. He who would be devout, must beware of 
indulging a habit of wandering in prayer. It is 
a crime that will grow upon us, and will deprive 
us of the blessings we pray for. 

3. The oftener we renew our intercourse voith 
God, the greater will be our devotion. 

4. Make it a law to yourself, to meditate be- 
fore you pray; as also to make pauses to see 
whether your heart goes with your lips. — Bishop 
Thomas Wilson, 1663-1755. 

Different Phases of Prayer 

AT least once each day there should be an 
unhurried period of prayer, including the 
following: 

1. Meditation — that is, a brief time of recol- 
29 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

lection in order to realize who God is and who 
you are. There must be a little time to feel the 
wonder of His vastness and of your littleness, 
of His love and of your coldness, of His holi- 
ness and of your sin. . . . 

2. Prayer for Grace. Then the heart must be 
lifted up for the divine help which is needed in 
order to pray, to learn what things to ask for, to 
feel the strength of desire, to gain the power of 
wrestling or, in a word, to receive the Holy 
Spirit. 

3. Confession. . . . The great sins of our 
lives have perhaps been wept over, repented of, 
confessed, and forgiven, but our life is choked 
with the little sins that are hardly remembered — 
faults of motives, slurs, the omissions, the negli- 
gences which require contrition and confession 
all the more because they escape all eyes but 
God's; and to these minor sins that text is well 
applied, "Take me the little foxes that destroy 
the vines." . . . 

4. Intercession. Then requests have to be 
made for all sorts and conditions of men, for the 
world and for the Church, for our country and 
for our own Church, for Christ's servants abroad 
and at home, for friends and for enemies, for 

30 



SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY 

relatives and connections, for classes and for 
individuals mentioned by name. . . . 

5. Thanksgiving. It is well to keep a journal 
of mercies, and in every act of prayer to recol- 
lect the numerous particulars which call for 
praise. It is the besetting sin of some tempera- 
ments, and a frequent temptation of all, to be 
far more conscious of the trials than of the bene- 
fits of life. — Robert F. Horton. 

Prayer and Labor 
Prayers 

Slow, recollected, persevering. 
Peaceful, calm, resigned. 
Simple, humble, trusting. 
Always reverent, as loving as possible. 
Charitable. Have I not always opportunity to 
give? to thank? 
Labor 

Begun cheerfully. 
Continued perseveringly. 
Interrupted and resumed patiently. 
Finished perfectly and devoutly. 
Repose and care for the body, as in God's sight, 
under God's protection. 

"Gold Dust." 



31 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

r\0 not pray for easy lives! Pray to be 
-■-^ stronger men! 

Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers! 
Pray for powers equal to your tasks! Then the 
doing of your work shall be no miracle. But 
you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall 
wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which 
has come in you by the grace of God. — Bishop 
Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893. 

TESUS said, "Watch and pray"; but if prayer 
** had been the same thing as watching, Jesus 
would either have said "watch," or else He would 
have said "pray." But He said, "Watch and 
pray." In the same way it may be shown that 
prayer is different from thinking, meditating, 
planning, deliberating, and striving with the 
hands or with the brain. . . . We notice in the 
following passages how by both words and ac- 
tions it is implied that prayer was not with our 
Lord a mere glance, or sign, or attitude of mind, 
or passing ejaculation, but rather a sharply de- 
fined effort, so engaging and focussing the fac- 
ulties as to demand all the circumstance of time 
and place which is demanded by the most serious 
engagements of business life. 

32 



SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY 

"In the morning He rose early, while it was 
still quite dark, and leaving the house He went 
away to a solitary place and there prayed." — 
Mark 1:35. 

"At one place where He was praying, when 
He rose from His knees one of His disciples said 
to Him, 'Master, teach us to pray just as John 
taught his disciples.' " — Luke 11:1. 

"One day when He was praying by Himself 
the disciples were present." — Luke 9:18. 

"He made the disciples go on board the boat 
. . . and leave Him to dismiss the people. When 
He had done this He climbed the hill to pray in 
solitude: 9 — Matt. 14:22, 23. 

"Sit down here whilst I go yonder and there 
pray."— Matt. 26:36. 

"He Himself withdrew from them about a 
stone's throw and knelt down and prayed repeat- 
edly."— Luke 22 -Al. 

The phrase "as he was wont" (Luke 22:39), 
referring to His going out to Gethsemane and 
the subsequent reference to it as "the place," 
would seem to imply that Gethsemane was one 
of our Lord's places of regular resort for prayer. 

The type of prayer that is exhibited by the 
above passages, which deal with our Lord's prac- 

33 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

tice, is that kind which may be described as 
"seasonal." At least we may say that it presents 
prayer to us as a regular, unhurried, deliberate, 
and definite concentration of the faculties, in 
undivided attention, upon a specific work. — 
"The Discipline of Prayer" 

RELY not on a single prayer in matters of 
great concernment; but make it as public 
as you can, by obtaining of others to pray with 
you; this being the great blessing of the Com- 
munion of Saints, that a prayer united is strong 
like a well-ordered army. — Bishop Jeremy Tai- 
lor, 1613-1667. 

IS it not true that most people fail much in 
prayer, because they will not take the trouble 
to prepare for prayer? With a written list of 
the subjects we select for our prayers, a few col- 
lects or prayers from books of devotion care- 
fully selected and marked, and a fixed time 
allotted to our prayers, we shall find we can do 
much better than we generally do now. — Bishop 
Walsham How, 1823-1897. 



34 



SUGGESTIONS HOW TO PRAY 

NO man is likely to do much good in prayer 
who does not begin by looking upon it in 
the light of a work, to be prepared for and per- 
severed in with all the earnestness which we 
bring to bear upon subjects which are at once 
most interesting and most necessary. — Bishop 
Hamilton, of Salisbury. 

THE supplication of a righteous man availeth 
much in its working. — James 5:16. 



35 



PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE MORNING 



IV 
PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE MORNING 

AWAKE, my soul, and with the sun 
Thy daily stage of duty run; 
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise 
To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

Bishop Ken, 1637-1711. 

OLORD, our heavenly Father, Almighty and 
everlasting God, who hast safely brought 
us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in 
the same with Thy mighty power ; and grant that 
this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any 
kind of danger; but that all our doings may be 
ordered by thy governance, to do always that is 
righteous in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary" 494; 
"Book of Common Prayer" 1549. 

(~\ GOD ... the fountain of blessings . . . 
^^ open to us this day the sea of Thy love, 
and water us with plenteous streams from the 
riches of Thy grace. Make us children of quiet- 
ness, and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the 

39 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

fire of Thy love; sow in us Thy fear; strengthen 
our weakness by Thy power; bind us closely to 
Thee and to each other in one firm bond of 
unity; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. — 
"Syrian Clementine Liturgy" A. D. 95. 

OGOD, our heavenly Father, we Thy chil- 
dren come now to Thy feet with our sup- 
plications. We cannot live without Thy bless- 
ing. Life is too hard for us, duty is too large. 
We get discouraged, and our feeble hands hang 
down. We come to Thee with our weakness, 
asking Thee for strength. Help us always to be 
of good cheer. Let us not be disheartened by 
difficulties. Let us never doubt Thy love or any 
of Thy promises. Give us grace to be encour- 
agers of others, never discouragers. Let us not 
go about with sadness or fear among men, but 
may we be a benediction to everyone we meet, 
always making life easier, never harder, for those 
who come within our influence. Help us to be 
as Christ to others, that they may see something 
of His love in our lives, and learn to love Him 
in us. We beseech Thee to hear us, to receive 
our prayer, and to forgive our sins; for the sake 
of Jesus Christ. Amen. — /. R. Miller. 

40 



FOR USE IN THE MORNING 

LORD, thou hast been our dwelling-place 
^ In all generations. 

Before the mountains were brought forth, 

Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the 
world, 

Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art 
God. 

Thou turnest man to destruction, 

And sayest, Return, ye children of men. 

For a thousand years in thy sight 

Are but as yesterday when it is past, 

And as a watch in the night. 

Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they 
are as a sleep: 

In the morning they are like grass which grow- 
eth up. 

In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; 

In the evening it is cut down, and withereth. . . . 

So teach us to number our days, 

That we may get us a heart of wisdom. 

Return, Jehovah; how long? 

And let it repent thee concerning thy servants. 

Oh satisfy us in the morning with thy loving- 
kindness, 

That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. . . 

Let thy work appear unto thy servants, 

41 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

And thy glory upon their children. 

And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon 

us; 
And establish thou the work of our hands upon 

us; 
Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. 

Psalm 90:1-6, 12-14, 16-17. 

INTO Thy hands, Lord, we commend our 
spirits, souls, and bodies, for Thou hast created 
and redeemed them, Lord God Almighty. Guide 
us and all whom we love this day with Thine eye, 
and kindle Thy light in our hearts, that Thy 
godly knowledge increasing in us more and 
more, we may always be found to walk and live 
after Thy will and pleasure; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — From an Ancient Col- 
lect. 

KEEP us this day in our bodies as well as in 
our souls; let no accident befall us or ours, 
and whatever temptation crosses our path, may 
we be enabled to look upward and take courage, 
proving under every trial of faith, that we are 
indeed faithful disciples and good soldiers of 
the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. — E. /. P. 1843. 
42 



FOR USE IN THE MORNING 

THE day returns and brings us the petty 
round of irritating concerns and duties. 
Help us to play the man, help us to perform 
them with laughter and kind faces, let cheer- 
fulness abound with industry. Give us to go 
blithely on our business all this day, bring us 
to our resting beds weary and content and undis- 
honored, and grant us in the end the gift of 
sleep. Amen. — Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850- 
1894. 1 

ETERNAL GOD, who committest to us the 
swift and solemn trust of life; since we 
know not what a day may bring forth, but only 
that the hour for serving Thee is always present, 
may we wake to the instant claims of Thy holy 
will; not waiting for tomorrow, but yielding 
today. Lay to rest, by the persuasion of Thy 
Spirit, the resistance of our passion, indolence, 
or fear. Consecrate with Thy presence the way 
our feet may go; and the humblest work will 
shine, and the roughest place be made plain. 
Lift us above unrighteous anger and mistrust 
into faith and hope and charity by a simple 
and steadfast reliance on Thy sure will. In 

1 Copyright, 1914, by Charles Scribner's Sons. Used by per- 
mission. 

43 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

all things draw us to the mind of Christ, that 
Thy lost image may be traced again, and Thou 
mayest own us as at one with Him and Thee. 
Amen. — James Martineau, 1805-1900. 



JEHOVAH, how are mine adversaries in- 
creased ! 
Many are they that rise up against me. 
Many there are that say of my soul, 
There is no help for him in God. 
But thou, Jehovah, art a shield about me; 
My glory, and the lifter up of my head. 
I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, 
And he answereth me out of his holy hill. 
I laid me down and slept; 
I awaked; for Jehovah sustaineth me. 
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the 

people 
That have set themselves against me round about. 
Arise, Jehovah; save me, my God: 
For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the 

cheek bone; 
Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked. 
Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: 
Thy blessing be upon thy people. 

Psalm 3. 

44 



FOR USE IN THE MORNING 

OLORD our God, Who hast chased the slum- 
ber from our eyes, and once more assem- 
bled us to lift up our hands unto Thee, and to 
praise Thy just judgments, accept our prayers 
and supplications, and give us faith and love. 
Bless our coming in and our going out, our 
thoughts, words, and works, and let us begin 
this day with the praise ... of Thy mercy. 
Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Greek 
Church Liturgy. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, seeing that it is high time 
to awake out of sleep, since the night is far 
spent and the day is at hand: help us to put off 
the works of darkness and put on the armor 
of light. 

May our loins be girt and our lamps burning, 
and ourselves as men who watch for the coming 
of their Lord. Amen. 

GOME near and bless us when we wake, 
Ere through the world our way we take; 
Till in the ocean of Thy love 
We lose ourselves in Heaven above. 

John Keble, 1792-1866. 
45 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

INTO Thy hands, Lord, we commit ourselves 
this day. Give to each one of us a watchful, 
a humble, and a diligent spirit, that we may seek 
in all things to know Thy will, and when we 
know it may perform it perfectly and gladly, to 
the honor and glory of Thy Name; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacrament- 
ary" 494. 

OTHOU, Who in the morning rising up a 
great while before day, didst go out into 
a solitary place and there pray; make good Thy 
promise, that those that seek thee early shall 
find Thee: Amen. — "Sursum Corda" 

TVT OW that the daylight fills the sky, 
■*■ * We lift our hearts to God on high, 
That He, in all we do or say, 
Would keep us free from harm today. 

May He restrain our tongues from strife, 
And shield from anger's din our life, 
And guard with watchful care our eyes 
From earth's absorbing vanities. 

may our inmost hearts be pure, 
From thoughts of folly kept secure, 

46 



FOR USE IN THE MORNING 

And pride of sinful flesh subdued 
Through sparing use of daily food. 

So we, when this day's work is o'er, 
And shades of night return once more, 
Our path of trial safely trod, 
Shall give the glory to our God. 

/. M. Neale, 1818-1866. 



47 



PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE EVENING 



V 

PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE EVENING 

OTHOU, by whom we come to God, — 
The Life, the Truth, the Way; 
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod; 
Lord, teach us how to pray. 

James Montgomery. 

WATCH Thou, dear Lord, with those who 
wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give 
Thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend 
Thy sick ones, Lord Christ. Rest Thy weary 
ones. Bless Thy dying ones. Soothe Thy suf- 
fering ones. Pity Thine afflicted ones. Shield 
Thy joyous ones. And all for Thy Love's sake. 
Amen. — St. Augustine, 354-430. 

r IGHTEN our darkness, we beseech Thee, 
-" Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us 
from all perils and dangers of this night; for 
the love of Thy only Son, our Savior, Jesus 
Christ. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary" 494; 
"Book of Common Prayer/ 7 1549. 

51 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OLORD our God, Almighty and Eternal 
Father, who givest to Thy children liber- 
ally and upbraidest not, we bless Thee this 
night for Thine infinite goodness to us and to 
all men. We give Thee thanks for the world 
and all the good things which are therein; for 
the sky above us and the earth beneath our feet ; 
for the changing seasons, for our home and our 
friends. We bless Thee for Thy tender care 
which guards us, and for all Thy good gifts by 
which we are enriched. Most of all do we 
bless Thee for Jesus Christ our Savior. In Thy 
service may we live, and in Thy favor may we 
die; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

I WILL lay me down in peace and take my 
rest, for it is Thou, Lord, only that makest 
me dwell in safety. — Psalm 4:8. 

TAKE us, we pray Thee, Lord of our life, 
into Thy keeping this night and forever. 
Thou Light of lights, keep us from inward dark- 
ness; grant us so to sleep in peace, that we may 
arise to work according to Thy will; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop An- 
drewes, 1555-1626. 

52 



FOR USE IN THE EVENING 

OLORD our God, refresh us with quiet sleep 
when we are wearied with the day's labor, 
that, being assisted with the help which our 
weakness needs, we may be devoted to Thee both 
in body and mind; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen.— Leonine Sacramentary, 440. 

LORD, when I am asleep let me not be made 
afraid; but let my sleep be sweet that I 
may be enabled to serve Thee. Amen. — Arch- 
bishop Laud, 1573-1645. 

BEFORE I go to rest, I would commit myself 
to God's care, through Christ, beseeching 
Him to forgive me for all my sins of this day 
past, and to keep alive His grace in my heart, 
and to cleanse me from all indolence, pride, 
harshness, and selfishness, and to give me the 
spirit of meekness, humility, firmness, and love. 
O Lord, keep Thyself present to me ever, and 
perfect Thy strength in my weakness. Take me 
and mine under Thy blessed care, this night and 
evermore, through Jesus Christ. — Thomas Ar- 
nold, 1795-1839. 



53 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

IN Thee, Lord, do I put my trust; let me 
never be ashamed: deliver me in Thy right- 
eousness. 

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: 
be Thou my strong rock, for a house of 
defence to save me. 

For Thou art my rock and my fortress; there- 
fore for Thy name's sake lead me, and 
guide me. 

Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast 
redeemed me, Lord God of truth. . . . 

My times are in Thy hand; deliver me from the 
hand of mine enemies, and from them 
that persecute me. — Psalm 31:1-5, 15. 

THE Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord 
make His face to shine upon us, and be 
gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the Light of 
His countenance upon us, and give us peace, this 
night and forevermore. Amen. — Adapted from 
Num. 6:24-26. 

A Sunday Evening Meditation 

OLORD our God, we are once again arrived 
at the evening of Thy holy day. May Thy 
Spirit render it truly blest to us! 

54 



FOR USE IN THE EVENING 

We have attended the public service of Thy 
Church; Thou knowest, Lord, and our own 
consciences each know also, whether while we 
worshipped Thee in form, we worshipped Thee 
in spirit and in truth. Thou knowest, and our 
own consciences know also, whether we are or 
are likely to be any the better for what we have 
heard with our outward ears today. 

Forgive us, Lord, for this great sin of despis- 
ing the means of grace which Thou hast given 
us. Forgive us for all our carelessness, inatten- 
tion, and hardness of heart; forgive us for hav- 
ing been far from Thee in mind, when our lips 
and outward expression seemed near to Thee. 

Lord, will it be so forever? Shall we ever 
hear and not heed? And when our life is draw- 
ing near to its end, as this day is now, shall we 
then feel that we have lived without Thee in the 
world, and that we are dying unforgiven? 
Gracious Father, be pleased to touch our hearts 
in time with trouble, with sorrow, with sickness, 
with disappointment, with anything that may 
hinder them from being hard to the end, and 
leading us to eternal ruin. 

Thou knowest our particular temptations 
here. Help us with Thy Holy Spirit to 

55 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

struggle against them. Save us from being 
ashamed of Thee and of our duty. Save us from 
the base and degrading fear of one another. 
Save us from idleness and thoughtlessness. Save 
us from the sin of falsehood and lying. Save us 
from unkindness and selfishness, caring only for 
ourselves, and not for Thee and for our neigh- 
bors. 

Thou who knowest all our weaknesses, save us 
from ourselves, and our own evil hearts. Renew 
us with Thy Spirit to walk as becomes those 
whom Thou hast redeemed, through Thy Son 
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. — Thomas Ar- 
nold, 1795-1839. 



56 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 



VI 

FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

OGOD, we have heard with our ears, and our 
fathers have declared unto us, the noble 
works that Thou didst in their days, and in the 
old time before them. 

O Lord, arise, help us, 
and deliver us for Thine 
honor. 

"The Litany." 

Release for Captives 

OLORD, we acknowledge our failures and 
defects; we humbly confess our errors 
and our sins; but forasmuch as Thou delightest 
to show mercy, we beseech Thee to pardon . . . 
us, to deliver us from the burden of transgres- 
sion, and to release us from the power of sin; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gela- 
sian Sacramentary" 494. 

WHEREINSOVER we have erred and 
strayed from Thy ways, whereinsoever we 
have come short, or done that which we ought not 

59 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

to have done, graciously forgive us, we beseech 
Thee. Help us to turn from all evil, to that 
which is holy and good. Teach us to love what 
is right, and to do it forever; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — Professor Knight 

OGOD, the Father of mercies, we, Thine un- 
worthy children, who have erred and 
strayed from Thy ways, return unto Thee with 
contrite hearts, beseeching Thee to forgive and 
to deliver us from evil. Remembering our weak- 
ness, we ask Thee to help us to lay aside all evil 
thoughts, words, and works. May the power of 
evil be broken in us, and may the power of good 
be strengthened; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen, 



For Forgiveness 

1HAVE sinned, I have done amiss, I have 
dealt wickedly: 
I know, Lord, the plague of my heart, 
and behold I turn unto Thee 
with all my heart 
and with all my strength. 
And now, Lord, from thy dwelling-place and 

60 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

from the throne of the glory of thy kingdom 
in heaven, 
hear therefore the prayer 

and the supplication of thy servant, 
and forgive thy servant 

and heal his soul. 
Be Thou my hope, 
O hope of all the ends of the earth 

and of them that remain in the broad sea. 
The Lord Himself be my keeper : 

Lord, be my defence upon my right hand. 
The Lord preserve me from all evil: 

Yea the Lord be he that shall keep my soul. 
The Lord preserve my going out 
and my coming in, 

from this time forth 
for evermore. 
Bishop Andrewes, 1555-1626. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, pardon the luxury of 
our age, and grant that those who live in 
stately dwellings and fare sumptuously every 
day may be brought so to hunger and thirst after 
righteousness that they may be filled with Thine 
everlasting sweetness, and may not be shut out 
from the eternal home which Thou has provided 

61 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

for such as wait upon Thee in holiness; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Intercessory 
Manual' 9 

For Forgiveness and Strength 

OLORD, we humbly beseech Thee, blot out 
our past transgressions, heal the evils of 
our past negligences and ignorances, make us 
amend our past mistakes and misunderstandings; 
uplift our hearts to new love, new energy, and 
devotion, that we may be unburdened from the 
grief and shame of past faithlessness, to go forth 
in Thy strength, to persevere through success and 
failure, through good report and evil report, 
even to the end; and in all time of our tribula- 
tion, in all time of our wealth, save us and help 
us, we humbly beseech Thee, Lord. — Bishop 
George Ridding, 1828. 

For Support in Times of Temptation 

OLORD, our Defender, have pity upon us; 
behold the armies of the flesh, the world, 
and the devil fight against our souls, and multi- 
ply against us every day temptations and dis- 
advantages. We are not able of ourselves, as 
62 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

of ourselves, to think a good thought, much less 
put to flight the armies of them that set them- 
selves against us round about. But Thou, O 
Lord, art our Defender, Thou art our Worship 
and the Lifter-up of our heads. Up, Lord, and 
help us; arm us with the shield of faith and the 
sword of the Spirit, and in all times of tempta- 
tion and battle, cover our heads with the helmet 
of salvation, so shall we not be afraid of ten 
thousands of our enemies, for salvation belong- 
eth unto Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — Bishop Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667. 

OLORD, shield of our help, who wilt not 
suffer us to be tempted above that we are 
able, help us, we entreat Thee, in all our straits 
and wrestlings, to lift up our eyes unto Thee, 
and stay our hearts on Thee. Amen. — Christina 
G. Rossetti, 1830-1894. 

Men of Might 

STRONG Son of God, who wast tried and 
tempted to the uttermost, yet without sin; 
be near me now with Thy strength and give me 
the victory over this evil desire that threatens 
to ruin me. I am weak, Lord, and full of 

63 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

doubts and fears. There are moments when I 
am afraid of myself, when the world and the 
flesh and the devil seem more powerful than 
the forces of good. But now I look to Thee in 
whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and 
might and redemption. Blessed Savior! I take 
Thee afresh to be my Refuge . . . my Defence, 
my strong Tower from the enemy. Hear me and 
bless me now and ever. Amen. — Samuel Mc- 
Comb. 1 

OGOB, Who knowest us to be set in the midst 
of so many and great dangers, that by 
reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot 
always stand upright; Grant to us such strength 
and protection, as may support us in all dan- 
gers, and carry us through all temptations; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Gregorian Sacramentary" 590 ; "Book of Com- 
mon Prayer/ 9 1662. 

TTEAR, Jehovah, when I cry with my voice: 
-*- ■*■ Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my iieart 

said unto thee, 
Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek. 

Copyright, 1917, by Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. 

64 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

Hide not thy face from me; 

Put not thy servant away in anger: 

Thou hast been my help; 

Cast me not off, neither forsake me, God of 
my salvation. 

When my father and my mother forsake me, 

Then Jehovah will take me up. 

Teach me thy way, Jehovah; 

And lead me in a plain path, 

Because of mine enemies. 

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine ad- 
versaries : 

For false witnesses are risen up against me, 

And such as breathe out cruelty. 

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the 
goodness of Jehovah 

In the land of the living. 

Wait for Jehovah: 

Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; 

Yea, wait thou for Jehovah. 

Psalm 27:7-14. 

For Purity and Inward Help 

ALMIGHTY GOD, who seest that we have no 
power of ourselves to help ourselves, keep 
us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly 

65 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

in our souls, that we may be defended from all 
adversities which may happen to the body, and 
from all evil thoughts which may assault and 
hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — "Gregorian Sacramentary" 590; "Book 
of Common Prayer," 1662, 

OTHOU whose light is about me and within 
me and to whom all things are present, 
help me this day to keep my life pure in Thy 
sight. Suffer me not by any lawless act of mine 
to befoul any innocent life or add to the shame 
and hopelessness of any erring one that struggles 
faintly against sin. Grant me a steadfast scorn 
for pleasure bought by human degradation. May 
no reckless word or wanton look from me kindle 
the slow fires of wayward passion that will char 
and consume the divine beauties of any soul. 
Give me grace to watch over the imaginations of 
my heart, lest in the unknown hour of my weak- 
ness my secret thoughts leap into action and my 
honor be turned into shame. If any dear heart 
has staked its life and hopes on my love and loy- 
alty, I beseech Thee that its joy and strength may 
never wither through my forgetfulness or guilt. 
God, make me pure and a helper to the weak. 

66 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

Grant that even the sins of my past may yield 
me added wisdom and tenderness to help those 
who are tempted. Through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — Walter Rauschenbusch. 



THE law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the 
soul: 

The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise 
the simple. 

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the 
heart : 

The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlighten- 
ing the eyes. 

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring forever: 

The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and right- 
eous altogether. 

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than 
much fine gold; 

Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of 
the honeycomb. 

Moreover by them is thy servant warned : 

In keeping them there is great reward. 

Who can discern his errors? 

Clear thou me from hidden faults. 

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous 
sins; 

67 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Let them not have dominion over me: 

Then shall I be upright, 

And I shall be clear from great transgression. 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation 

of my heart 
Be acceptable in thy sight, 
Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer. 

Psalm 19:7-14. 

For Hatred of Sin 

OGOD, whom none can love except they hate 
the thing that is evil, and who wiUedst by 
Thy Son our Savior to redeem us from all 
iniquity: Deliver us when we are tempted to 
look on sin without abhorrence, and let the vir- 
tue of His Passion come between us and the 
enemy of our souls; through the same Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Restless Till I Rest in Thee 

LIGHT that burns and heals, Love that 
breaks and soothes the heart, Life that 
stirs and satisfies; how shall we endure Thee? 

We have prayed so carelessly that Thou 
wouldst show us Thy love, forgetting that angels 

68 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

veil themselves before Thee. We have longed 
to look upon the beauty of Thy countenance, not 
considering whether anything would ever seem 
so fair again. We have sought to know all mys- 
teries, and never stayed to ask if we had forti- 
tude to bear the truth. We have desired to fol- 
low after Christ, counting not His lonely way, 
His utter sacrifice, His broken heart. 

And now we have come at length to apprehend 
what such answered prayers might mean, yet 
with the clearer light we dare to ask them all 
again. Answer them even though we do not 
fully know; for we are tired of twilight, false- 
hood, and the easy way. Tremblingly we place 
ourselves in Thy hands. Lead us by Thy love 
into fuller light and to more glorious life. Amen. 
— W. E. Orchard: 

HEAR my cry, God; 
Attend unto my prayer. 
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, 

when my heart is overwhelmed: 
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 
For thou hast been a refuge for me, 
A strong tower from the enemy. 

2 Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 

69 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

I will dwell in thy tabernacle forever: 

I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. 

For thou, God, hast heard my vows: 

Thou hast given me the heritage of those that 

fear thy name. . . . 
So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, 
That I may daily perform my vows. 

Psalm 61:1-5, 8. 

My Heart Needs Thee 

MY heart needs Thee, Lord, my heart 
needs Thee! No part of my being needs 
Thee like my heart. All else within me can be 
filled by Thy gifts. My hunger can be satis- 
fied by daily bread. My thirst can be allayed 
by earthly waters. My cold can be removed by 
household fires. My weariness can be relieved 
by outward rest. But no outward thing can 
make my heart pure. The calmest day will not 
calm my passions. The fairest scene will not 
beautify my soul. The richest music will not 
make harmony within. The breezes can cleanse 
the air; but no breeze ever cleansed a spirit. 
This world has not provided for my heart. It 
has provided for my eye; it has provided for 
my ear; it has provided for my touch; it has 

70 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

provided for my taste; it has provided for my 
sense of beauty — but it has not provided for 
my heart. Provide, Thou, for my heart, 
Lord! It is the only unwinged bird in all crea- 
tion; give it wings, Lord! Earth has failed 
to give it wings; its very power of loving has 
often dragged it in the mire. Be Thou the 
strength of my heart. Be Thou its fortress in 
temptation, its shield in remorse, its covert in 
the storm, its star in the night, its voice in the 
solitude! Guide it in its gloom; help it in its 
heat; direct it in its doubt; calm it in its con- 
flict; fan it in its faintness; prompt it in its 
perplexity; lead it through its labyrinths; raise 
it from its ruins! I cannot rule this heart of 
mine; keep it under the shadow of Thine own 
wings ! — -George Matheson. 

Lead, Kindly Light 

DIRECT us, Lord, in all our doings with 
Thy most gracious favor, and further us 
with Thy continual help, that in all our works 
begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may 
glorify Thy Holy Name and finally by Thy 
mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Book of Common 
Prayer; 9 1549. 

71 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

HELP me, God, for my boat is so small 
and Thy ocean is so wide! — Prayer of a 
Breton Fisherman. 

OGOD, by whom the meek are guided in 
judgment, and light riseth up in darkness 
for the godly; grant us, in all our doubts and 
uncertainties, the grace to ask what Thou 
wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wis- 
dom may save us from all false choices, and 
that in Thy light we may see light, and in Thy 
straight path may not stumble; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — William Bright, 1824. 

For Support and Wisdom 

MAY the power of the Father govern me. 
May the wisdom of the Son enlighten me. 
May the operation of the Holy Spirit quicken me. 
God, I beseech Thee, 
Guard my soul; 
Sustain my body; 
Exalt my senses; 
Direct my course; 
Regulate my manners; 
Bless my undertakings; 
Fulfil my petitions; 
72 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

Inspire me with holy thoughts; 
Pardon what is past; 
Rectify what is present; 
Order what is to come. Amen. 

Bishop Andrewes, 1555-1626. 

For Guidance in Choosing Life Work 

ALMIGHTY GOD, who callest men to divers 
forms of service in the world, reveal to me 
the path which Thou dost will me to walk in. I 
place my life and all that I am in Thy great 
hand. Dispose of me and of all that belongs 
to me as seems best to Thee. If I can be of 
use to Thee in the sacred ministry of Thy 
Church, call me and bid me forsake all for Thee. 
Attune my ear to Thy Voice that I may hear the 
call. Strengthen my will that, hearing the call, 
I may forthwith obey it. Let me live my life 
in the power of Thy Holy Spirit. Let me know 
no service but the service of Thy dear Son. I 
do not seek to choose my path : I leave the choice 
to Thee; but I pray that it may be such as will 
lead me at last to Thine Everlasting Kingdom; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — George 
Wharton Pepper? 

8 Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of 
the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 

73 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Sun of My Soul 

FATHER OF LIGHT, Sun of the Soul, when 
the shadows of twilight fall and darkness 
ends the day, our thoughts turn to Thee who 
dwellest where night never comes. It fills us 
with quiet trust to know that somewhere the 
truth is always clear, however clouded it appear 
to us; that there is a light that does not fade 
when we lose sight of it. Shine through the 
mists of our mortality and through the deeper 
gloom of our sin, that the night for us may hold 
no fears. 

If we have lost our way in doubt, so that we 
despair of Thee, may the light that lighteth every 
man shine the clearer within us now, and in Thy 
light may we see light. 

And if we have turned aside to try the ways 
of darkness and death, and fear the light, be- 
cause of what it may reveal, or hate it because 
our deeds are evil ; yet leave us not, but lead us 
back by the kindly lights of home, till in Thy 
flame our sins are consumed and in the light of 
Thy countenance we rest in peace. Amen. — W. 
E. Orchard.* 



*Taken by permission from "The Temple,'* by W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 

74 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

If We Lack Wisdom 

OLORD, we beseech Thee mercifully to re- 
ceive the prayers of Thy people which 
call upon Thee; and grant that they may both 
perceive and know what things they ought to 
do, and also may have grace and power faith- 
fully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — "Gregorian Sacramentary" 
590; "Book of Common Prayer" 1549, 

Love Never Fails 

OGOD, the God of all goodness and of all 
grace, Who art worthy of a greater love 
than we can either give or understand; fill our 
hearts, we beseech Thee, with such love toward 
Thee, that nothing may seem too hard for us to 
do or to suffer in obedience to Thy will; and 
grant that thus loving Thee, we may become 
daily more like unto Thee, and finally obtain 
the crown of life which Thou hast promised to 
those that love Thee; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — Farnham Hostel Manual. 



75 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OGOD of love, Who hast given a new com- 
mandment, through Thine Only-begotten 
Son, that we should love one another, even as 
Thou didst love us, the unworthy and the wan- 
dering, and gavest Thy beloved Son for our life 
and salvation; we pray Thee, Lord, give to us, 
Thy servants, in all time of our life on the earth, 
a mind forgetful of past ill-will, a pure con- 
science and sincere thoughts, and a heart to love 
our brethren; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy 
Son, our Lord and only Savior. Amen. — 
''Coptic Liturgy of St. Cyril/' 315. 



The King of Love Our Shepherd Is 

THOU hast taught us, Lord, that all our 
doings without charity are nothing worth. 
Send the Holy Ghost, therefore, and pour into 
our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, 
which is the very bond of peace and of all vir- 
tues, without which whosoever thinks that he 
lives is counted dead before Thee. May the sun 
never rise or go down on our wrath; but make 
us more largely partakers of the love which 
thinketh no evil; but which beareth all things, 
believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth 

76 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

all things, and disposeth us to cover a multitude 
of sins; for the sake of Him who taught us to 
forgive our enemies, even Jesus Christ Thy Son 
our Lord. Amen. — Fielding Ould, 1864. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, I bless Thee that Thy ban- 
ner over us is love. Help us to keep our 
eyes upon it. May we fight under no other ban- 
ner, and may all our contentions and strivings 
be in the spirit of Christian love! Let love be 
kindled in my heart today, and let it blaze and 
burn for Thee. — /. H. Jowett. 

Whatsoever Things Are True 

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who hast sent the Spirit 
of truth unto us to guide us into all truth; 
so rule our lives by Thy power, that we may be 
truthful in word, deed, and thought. keep us, 
most merciful Savior, with Thy gracious pro- 
tection, that no fear or hope may ever make us 
false in act or speech. Cast out from us what- 
soever loveth or maketh a lie, and bring us all 
to the perfect freedom of Thy truth; through 
Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen. — Bishop 
B. F. Westcott, 1825-1901. 

77 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OLORD GOD, Who hast taught us to pray 
all together, and hast promised to hear 
the united voices of two or three invoking Thy 
Name; hear now, Lord, the prayers of Thy 
servants unto their salvation, and give us in this 
world knowledge of Thy Truth, and in the world 
to come life everlasting; for the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Armenian Liturgy." 

Valiant for Truth 

\ LMIGHTY GOD, I pray that Thou wouldst 
^A- lift my life into the light. Let me not be 
contented to grope amid the selfish counsels of 
men, but let me march to the commandments of 
my God. Give me the soldierly spirit and the 
soldierly step, and make me valiant for the truth. 
— /. H. Jowett. 

Faithful Unto Death 

OLORD, our Savior, Who hast warned us 
that Thou wilt require much of those to 
whom much is given; grant that we, whose lot 
Thou hast cast in so goodly a heritage, may 
strive together the more abundantly by prayer, 
by almsgiving . . . and by every other appoint- 

78 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

ed means, to extend to others what we so richly 
enjoy; and as we have entered into the labors of 
other men, so to labor that in their turn other 
men may enter into ours, to the fulfilment of 
Thy holy will, and our own everlasting salva- 
tion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Manual of St. Augustine/ 9 Canterbury. 

OGOD, who hast endowed us with our sev- 
eral talents, and given to every man his 
work, strengthen us, we pray Thee, by Thy grace, 
for the faithful discharge of our duty in the 
several stations of life to which Thou hast been 
pleased to call us. Send Thy Holy Spirit to 
guide us along our appointed path, and grant 
that whatsoever we do, we may do in singleness 
of heart, as unto Christ. Enable us to improve 
the talents, whether few or many, which Thou 
hast committed to our trust, and to remember 
that every day is a day of trial. Help us to be 
diligent in business, patient and cheerful under 
provocation and disappointment, and temperate 
in all things. 

Lord, grant us grace that, putting away all 
bitterness, and anger, and evil speaking, we may 
be kind one to another; and walk in love, as 

79 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Christ also hath loved us. Preserve us in our 
going out and coming in, and guide all our steps 
in the way of Thy Commandments, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen.— E. Hawkins, 1789-1882. 

GRACIOUS GOD, remember us, we beseech 
Thee, in our work this day. If it be Thy 
will, give unto us a prosperous day. May all 
our work be well done. May we turn nothing 
out half done. May we glorify Thee by honest 
good work; for the sake of Him who completed 
His work for us, even Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — /. H. JowetL 

Now Abideth . . . Hope 

FATHER, teach us the lesson of victory. We 
yield too easily to things that try us. We 
are too easily disheartened. We do not trust 
Thee enough when the way is hard. Help us 
to enter into the victory of Jesus Christ, who 
overcame the world, and in whom we, too, can 
overcome the world. Save us from discourage- 
ment which so often leads to doubt and to the 
loss of joy and hope. Let us not be discouragers 
of others. Help us wherever we go to carry 
gladness, cheer, inspiration, and hope, so that 

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FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

all who meet us will be stronger and braver 
for the meeting. We ask through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — /. R. Miller. 

nPEACH us, gracious Lord, to begin our 
-■■ works with fear, to go on with obedience, 
and to finish them in love, and then to wait 
patiently in hope, and with cheerful confidence 
to look up to Thee, whose promises are faithful 
and rewards infinite; through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. — Bishop George Hickes, 1642-1715. 

For Love and Perseverance 

TTEAVENLY FATHER, may we this day be 
-*- -*- followers of Thee, walking in love, even as 
Christ also has loved us. Grant us grace to draw 
water with joy out of the wells of salvation. 
Thus refreshed may we run with patience the 
Christian race, and fight the good fight of faith. 
Make us to abound in every good word and 
work. Keep us humble, thankful, and watchful 
to the end. . . . Amen.— Dean Goulburn, 1818. 



81 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Straight Is the Way 

OGOD, who hast commanded that no man 
should be idle, give us grace to employ all 
our talents and faculties in the service appointed 
to us; that, whatsoever our hand findeth to do, 
we may do it with our might. Cheerfully may 
we go on in the road which Thou hast marked 
out, not desiring too earnestly that it should be 
either more smooth or more wide; but, daily 
seeking our way by Thy light, may we trust our- 
selves and the issue of our journey to Thee, the 
Fountain of Joy, and sing songs of praise as we 
go along. Then, Lord, receive us at the gate 
of life which Thou hast opened for us in Christ 
Jesus. Amen. — MartineavUs "Common Prayer 
for Christian Worship/ 9 

For the Thoughts of Our Hearts 

OLORD, from whom all good things do 
come; Grant to us, Thy humble servants, 
that by Thy holy inspiration we may think those 
things that be good, and by Thy merciful guiding 
may perform the same through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramentary" 494; 
"Book of Common Prayer/ 9 1549. 

82 



FOR OUR SPEGIAL NEEDS 

For Patience 

GIVE unto us, Lord Jesus, grace to be meek 
and patient as Thou wast, that we may 
gently bear with the faults of others, and strive 
always to root out our own. For Thy sake. 
Amen.— "The Narrow Way," 1869. 

For the Spirit of Helpfulness 

LORD, let me not live to be useless! — John 
Wesley, 1703-1791. 

Nearer, My God, to Thee 

ORD, keep us ever near to Thee, let nothing 
■*— ^ separate us from Thee, let nothing keep us 
back from Thee. If we fall, bring us back quick- 
ly to Thee, and make us hope in Thee, trust in 
Thee, love Thee everlastingly; through Jesus 
Christ. Amen.— E. B. Pusey, 1800-1882. 

OTHOU, God! Do Thou, my God, stand 
by me, against all the world's wisdom and 
reason. . . . Not mine but Thine is the cause. 
... I would prefer to have peaceful days, and 
to be out of this turmoil. But Thine, O Lord, 
is this cause; it is righteous and eternal. Stand 

83 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

by me, Thou true Eternal God! In no man do 
I trust. . . . Stand by me, God, in the name 
of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, who shall be my 
Defence and Shelter, yea, my Mighty Fortress, 
through the might and strength of Thy Holy 
Spirit. . . . Amen. — Martin Luther, 1483-1546. 

More Than All in Thee I Find 

[" AM forced, good Father, to seek Thee daily, 
-■" and Thou offerest Thyself daily to be 
found: whensoever I seek, I find Thee, in my 
house, in the fields, in the temple, and in the 
highway. Whatsoever I do, Thou art with me; 
whether I eat or drink, whether I write or work, 
go to ride, read, meditate, or pray, Thou art 
ever with me; wheresoever I am, or whatsoever 
I do, I feel some measure of Thy mercies and 
love. If I be oppressed, Thou defendest me; if 
I be envied, Thou guardest me; if I hunger, Thou 
feedest me; whatsoever I want Thou givest me. 
continue this Thy lovingkindness toward me 
forever, that all the world may see Thy power, 
Thy mercy, and Thy love, wherein Thou hast not 
failed me, and even my enemies shall see that 
Thy mercies endure forever. — /. Norden, 1548- 
1625. 

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FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

Jesus est Rex 

OLORD, come quickly and reign on Thy 
throne, for now oft-times something rises 
up within me, and tries to take possession of 
Thy throne; pride, covetousness, uncleanness, 
and sloth want to be my kings; and then evil- 
speaking, anger, hatred, and the whole train of 
vices join with me in warring against myself, 
and try to reign over me. I resist them, I cry 
out against them, and say, "I have no other king 
than Christ." King of Peace, come and reign 
in me, for I will have no king but Thee ! Amen. 
—St. Bernard, 1091-1153. 

Dedication to Christ 

USE me then, my Savior, for whatever pur- 
pose, and in whatever way, Thou mayest 
require. Here is my poor heart, an empty ves- 
sel; fill it with Thy grace. Here is my sinful and 
troubled soul ; quicken it and refresh it with Thy 
love. Take my heart for Thine abode; my 
mouth to spread abroad the glory of Thy name; 
my love and all my powers, for the advancement 
of Thy believing people; and never suffer the 
steadfastness and confidence of my faith to abate 

85 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

— that so at all times I may be enabled from 
the heart to say, "Jesus needs me, and I Him."— 
D. L. Moody, 1837-1899. 

TTEAVENLY FATHER! We pray that Jesus 
■*- -*- Christ may become dearer to us. May we 
love him as a personal Friend, and hide our- 
selves in the hourly consciousness of His pres- 
ence. May we have no taste or desire for things 
which He would disapprove. Let His love con- 
strain us not to live unto ourselves, but to Him. 
— F. B. Meyer. 

He Went in to Tarry with Them 

GRACIOUS LORD, we remember that Thou 
didst accompany Thy two disciples as they 
journeyed to Emmaus. We, too, have a journey, 
we have a weary pilgrimage to perform. Our 
Emmaus is a distant though happy land. Do 
Thou go with us, Lord: be our Fellow-travel- 
er; guide us, uphold us, strengthen us, make our 
hearts to burn within us, and evermore manifest 
Thou Thyself to our souls in gracious and in 
heavenly power; for Thy own Name's sake we 
ask it. Amen. — Ven. Archdeacon of Raphoe. 

86 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 
For the Spirit of Christ in Our Lives 

OTHOU Who art the Life of all that lives, 
the Strength of the weak, and the Hope of 
those that be cast down, inform our minds with 
Thy Truth, we beseech Thee, and our hearts with 
righteousness; strengthen our wills to choose the 
good and to refuse the evil ; help us to bear each 
other's burdens, to forgive one another's faults, 
and to forbear with every defect of judgment and 
of temper in those with whom we live and who 
daily help us. Grant this through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — Professor Knight. 

WE beseech Thee, our most gracious God, 
preserve us from the cares of this life, lest 
we should be too much entangled therein; also 
from the many necessities of the body, lest we 
should be ensnared by pleasure; and from what- 
soever is an obstacle to the soul, lest, being 
broken with troubles, we should be overthrown. 
Give us strength to resist, patience to endure, and 
constancy to persevere; for the sake of Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Thomas a 
Kempis, 1379-1471. 



87 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

ORD, we pray not for tranquillity, nor that 
-■-* our tribulations may cease; we pray for 
Thy Spirit and Thy Love, that Thou grant us 
strength and grace to overcome adversity; 
through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Girolamo Savon- 
arola, 1452-1498. 

OGOD, Who hast commanded all men to 
love Thee, and hast drawn them to Thy- 
self by Thy mercy and goodness; fill our hearts 
with the love of Thee. We are weak and sinful, 
and cannot love Thee enough without Thy help. 
All our desire is to give Thee the service of 
loving hearts all the days of our life, and to love 
Thee throughout the ages of eternity; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "The Narrow 
Way," 1869. 

Not My Will But Thine 

HEAVENLY FATHER, subdue in us 
whatever is contrary to Thy holy will. 
Grant that we may ever study to know Thy will, 
that we may know how to please Thee. Grant, 
O God, that we may never run into those tempta- 
tions which in our prayers we desire to avoid. 
Lord, never permit our trials to be above our 

88 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

strength ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
— Bishop Thomas Wilson, 1663-1755. 

MAY we be kept humble and zealous, and 
may God give us grace to labor in our 
generation for the good of our brethren and for 
His glory. May He keep us His by night and 
day, and strengthen us to hear and do His will ; 
through Jesus Christ. Amen. — Thomas Arnold, 
1795-1839. 

For Zeal and Earnestness 

ALMIGHTY GODand heavenly Father, Who 
by Thy Divine Providence hast appointed 
for each one of us our work in life, and hast 
commanded that we should not be slothful in 
business, but fervent in spirit, serving Thee; 
help us always to remember that our work is 
Thy appointment, and to do it heartily as unto 
Thee. Preserve us from slothfulness, and make 
us to live with loins girded and lamps burning, 
that whensoever our Lord may come, we may be 
found striving earnestly to finish the work that 
Thou hast given us to do; through the same Jesus 
Christ our Savior. Amen. — Dean Goulburn, 
1818. 

89 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OLORD OF HOSTS, Who hast given us our 
station and our weapons in Thine army 
for the warfare of this life, setting comrades 
beside us and sending Jesus Christ before us; 
make us to feel the glory and strength of Thy 
victorious advance and to hear the triumph song 
where Christ marches at the head of His saints, 
conquering, and to conquer ; for His sake. Amen. 
— "Indian Prayer Cycle" 

They Looked Unto Him and Were Radiant 

OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst humble 
Thyself to become man, and to be born 
into the world for our salvation, teach us the 
grace of humility, root out of our hearts all 
pride and haughtiness, and so fashion us after 
Thy holy likeness in this world, that in the world 
to come we may be made like unto Thee; for 
Thine own Name and mercies' sake. Amen. — 
Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. 

Ambassadors for Christ 

OUR Father, may the world not mould us to- 
day, but may we be so strong as to help to 
mould the world ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — /. H. Jowett. 

90 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

ALL this day, Lord, let me touch as many 
lives as possible for Thee. And every life 
I touch do Thou by Thy Holy Spirit quicken, 
whether through the word I speak or the life I 
live. In Christ's name. Amen. 



The Hard Right Against the Easy Wrong 

GIVE me clean hands, clean words, and clean 
thoughts. Help me to stand for the hard 
right against the easy wrong. Save me from 
habits that harm. Teach me to work as hard and 
play as fair in Thy sight alone as if all the world 
saw. Forgive me when I am unkind, and help 
me to forgive those who are unkind to me. Keep 
me ready to help others at some cost to myself. 
Send me chances to do a little good every day, 
and so grow more like Christ. Amen. — William 
DeWitt Hyde. 

MAKE me, blessed Master, strong in heart, 
full of courage, fearless of danger, hold- 
ing pain and danger cheap when they lie in the 
path of duty. May I be strengthened with all 
might by Thy Spirit in the inner man. — F. B. 
Meyer. 

91 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

For the Spirit of Service 

OLORD, give us more charity, more self- 
denial, more likeness to Thee. Teach us 
to sacrifice our comforts to others, and our 
likings for the sake of doing good. Make us 
kindly in thought, gentle in word, generous in 
deed. Teach us that it is better to give than to 
receive, better to forget ourselves than to put 
ourselves forward, better to minister than to be 
ministered unto. And unto Thee, the God of 
Love, be glory and praise forever. Amen. — 
Henry Alford, 1810-1871. 

HEAVENLY FATHER, make me. like Him 
who, though He was rich, yet for our 
sakes became poor, that many, through His pov- 
erty, might be made rich. Help me to deny 
myself, so as to give joy and comfort to those 
less favored than I am; and may I learn how 
much more blessed it is to give than to receive. — 
F. B. Meyer. 

OLORD, give us more charity, more self- 
denial, more likeness to Thee. Teach us 
to sacrifice our comforts to others, and our lik- 
ings for the sake of doing good. Make us 

92 



FOR OUR SPECIAL NEEDS 

kindly in thought, gentle in word, generous in 
deed. Teach us that it is better to give than to 
receive; better to forget ourselves than to put 
ourselves forward; better to minister than to be 
ministered unto. And unto Thee, the God of 
Love, be glory and praise forever. Amen. — 
Henry Alford, 1810-1871. 



93 



PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND THANKS- 
GIVINGS 



VII 

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND THANKS- 
GIVINGS 

FOR this cause I bow my knees unto the 
Father . • • that he would grant you, ac- 
cording to the riches of his glory, that ye may 
be strengthened with power through his Spirit 
in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in 
your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, 
being rooted and grounded in love, may be 
strong to apprehend with all the saints what is 
the breadth and length and height and depth, 
and to know the love of Christ which passeth 
knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the 
fulness of God. 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, ac- 
cording to the power that worketh in us, unto 
him be the glory in the church and in Christ 
Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. 
Amen.— Eph. 3:14, 16-21. 



97 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Master, Let Me Walk with Thee 

WE beseech Thee, Lord and Master, to be 
our help and succor. Save those among 
us who are in tribulation; have mercy on the 
lonely; lift up the fallen; show Thyself unto the 
needy; heal the ungodly; convert the wanderers 
of Thy people; feed the hungry; raise up the 
weak; comfort the faint-hearted. Let all the 
peoples know that Thou art God alone, and Jesus 
Christ is Thy Son, and we are Thy people and 
the sheep of Thy pasture; for the sake of Christ 
Jesus. Amen. — St. Clement of Rome, 30-95. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, Who 
hast taught us not to think of ourselves 
only, but also for the wants of others; we re- 
member before Thee all who are burdened and 
oppressed, those whose hopes have been 
crushed and whose purposes are overthrown. We 
remember all who are afflicted by poverty, or 
worn down by disease or illness, the weary and 
the heavy-laden, those also who are in darkness 
or despair, or who are suffering for righteous- 
ness' sake. Help them all to rest in Thee; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Pro- 
fessor Knight. 

98 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

When Wilt Thou Save the People? 

OTHOU who art Love, and Who seest all 
the suffering, injustice, and misery which 
reign in this world; have pity, we implore Thee, 
on the work of Thy hands. Look mercifully 
upon the poor, the oppressed, and all who are 
heavy laden with error, labor, and sorrow. Fill 
our hearts with deep compassion for those who 
suffer, and hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom 
of justice and truth. Amen. — Eugene Bersier, 
1831. 

For Their Sakes I Sanctify Myself 

BLESSED LORD, who for our sakes wast 
content to bear sorrow and want and death ; 
grant unto us such a measure of Thy Spirit that 
we may follow Thee in all self-denial and ten- 
derness of soul. Help us, by Thy great love, to 
succor the afflicted, to relieve the needy and des- 
titute, to share the burden of the heavy-laden, 
and ever to see Thee in all the poor and deso- 
late. Amen. 



99 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

For Those in Poverty and the Wayward 

OLORD JESUS, Who didst choose to be 
poor rather than rich, have mercy on all 
who are in need and want. Comfort them in 
all sorrows, supply their needs, raise up friends 
for them, and give them grace to learn of Thee, 
and always to put their trust in Thy help. Have 
mercy, blessed Savior, on all who are living 
in sin, all who pray not for themselves and who 
care not for their own souls. Turn them to Thy- 
self, and teach them to look to the things which 
belong to their peace before they are hidden 
from their eyes; for Thy sake, Who died to save 
us all. Amen.— "The Narrow Way," 1869. 

Deliverance for the Peoples 

MERCIFUL FATHER, to whom all sons of 
men are dear, we pray for all that sit in 
darkness and in the shadow of death, that the 
Dayspring from on high may visit them; for 
the poor and oppressed, for those who dwell 
amid ugliness and squalor, far from loveliness 
and purity, and for whom the fire-gemmed 
heavens shine in vain; for those who toil beyond 
their strength and beyond Thine ordinance, with- 

100 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

out pleasure in the work of their hands, and 
without help of rest; for those who sink back to 
the beast and seek to drown all thought and 
feeling, and for all who are trampled under 
foot by men. Raise up deliverance for the 
peoples. 

For those who in their plenty live delicately, 
contemn the poor, and forget God; for all peo- 
ple whose hearts are so perished within them 
that pity has departed. Show them Thy ways. 
Amen. — W. E. Orchard. 1 

For the Universal Church 

GRACIOUS FATHER, we humbly beseech 
Thee for Thy Universal Church. Fill it 
with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where 
it is corrupt, purge it; and where it is in error, 
direct it; where it is superstitious, rectify it; 
where anything is amiss, reform it; where it is 
right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is in 
want, furnish it; where it is divided and rent 
asunder, make up the breaches thereof, Thou 
holy One of Israel; for the sake of Jesus Christ 
our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Archbishop 
Laud, 1573-1645. 

1 Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 

101 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OGOD, who biddest us dwell with one mind 
in Thine house; of Thy mercy put away 
from us all that causeth us to differ, that 
through Thy bountiful goodness we may keep 
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — E. B. 
Pusey, 1800-1882. 

OGOD, we pray for thy Church, which is 
set today amid the perplexities of a chang- 
ing order, and face to face with a great new 
task. We remember with love the nurture she 
gave to our spiritual life in its infancy, the tasks 
she set for our growing strength, the influence 
of the devoted hearts she gathers, the steadfast 
power for good she has exerted. When we com- 
pare her with all other human institutions, we 
rejoice, for there is none like her. But when we 
judge her by the mind of her Master, we bow in 
pity and contrition. Oh, baptize her afresh in 
the life-giving spirit of Jesus! Grant her a new 
birth, though it be with the travail of repentance 
and humiliation. Bestow upon her a more im- 
perious responsiveness to duty, a swifter com- 
passion with suffering, and an utter loyalty to 
the will of God. Put upon her lips the ancient 

102 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

gospel of her Lord. Help her to proclaim boldly 
the coming of the Kingdom of God and the doom 
of all that resist it. Fill her with the prophets' 
scorn of tyranny, and with a Christ-like tender- 
ness for the heavy-laden and down-trodden. Give 
her faith to espouse the cause of the people, and 
in their hands that grope after freedom and light 
to recognize the bleeding hands of the Christ. 
. . . Make her valiant to give up her life to 
humanity, that like her crucified Lord she may 
mount by the path of the cross to a higher glory. 
— Walter Rauschenbusch. 



For Christian Workers 

ALMIGHTY GOD, pour Thy Holy Spirit 
upon all who are giving their lives to Thy 
work. Lord, take their minds and think 
through them; take their lips and speak through 
them; take their hearts and set them on fire with 
love to Thee. Hear our prayer, Lord of the 
harvest, and send forth more laborers into Thy 
harvest, in Jesus' name. Amen. 



103 



the enrichment of prayer 

For Laborers in the Mission Field 

GREAT Lord of the harvest, send forth, 
we beseech Thee, laborers into the harvest 
of the world, that the grain which is even now 
ripe may not fall and perish through our neg- 
lect. Pour forth Thy sanctifying Spirit on our 
fellow Christians abroad, and Thy converting 
grace on those who are living in darkness. Raise 
up, we beseech Thee, a devout ministry among 
the native believers, that, all Thy people being 
knit together in one body, in love, Thy Church 
may grow up into the measure of the stature 
of the fulness of Christ; through Him Who died, 
and rose again for us all, the same Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Milman, 1816-1868. 

OGOD, who didst send a glorious company 
of the heavenly host to proclaim the birth 
of Thy blessed Son upon earth; spread, we be- 
seech Thee, the knowledge of His name through 
all the world. Oh, that Thy way may be known 
upon earth, Thy saving health among all na- 
tions! Hasten Thy work, God; raise up labor- 
ers, and strengthen their hands, that they may 
tell of salvation unto the ends of the world. 
Bless with the mighty aid of Thy Holy Spirit 

104 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

those who now work to the glory of Thy name 
in distant lands. Give them faithfulness and 
courage, and take out of their way all hin- 
drances. Forward the time, Lord, for the 
coming of Thy kingdom, and for the gathering 
in of all nations unto Thee. And, while we 
pray for the outward growth of Thy kingdom 
in the world, we pray also for its inward growth 
in the hearts of men. And especially, Lord, 
for our own Church and country we pray that 
true religion may abound unto all righteousness 
and peace; through Thy only Son, our Savior, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. — Bishop Walsham How, 
1823-1897. 



BLESSED Lord and God, who hast never 
left Thyself without witnesses of Thy 
goodness and power, we beseech Thee now and 
evermore to thrust forth laborers into Thy har- 
vest fields. Sanctify them, we pray Thee, with 
the Holy Ghost; teach them to endure hardness; 
give them perfect mastery over the flesh, a sanc- 
tified spirit, and a ready desire to do Thy Will ; 
gird them with Thy Truth; make their hearts 
burn with Thy Word; and arm them with faith 
as a shield; that watching for Thee, and labor- 

105 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

ing for Thee till Thou return again, they may 
enter with the crown of their rejoicing into the 
joy of their Lord; to Whom with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world 
without end. Amen. — Adapted from Church 
Missionary Society. 

The Far-Flung Battle Line 

HEAVENLY FATHER, we pray Thee to 
bless and protect Thy servants who have 
gone forth to preach the Gospel in distant lands; 
give them such success in their labors that Thy 
way may be known upon earth, Thy saving 
health among all nations. Hear and grant this 
our prayer, God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. 

OGOD, Who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst 
charge Thine Apostles to preach the Gos- 
pel to every creature; prosper, we pray Thee, all 
missions of Thy Church. Send forth laborers 
into Thy vineyard, and bestow upon them all 
things needful for their work. Grant them wis- 
dom in all difficulties, help in trouble, the sense 
of Thy Presence in loneliness, and, if it be Thy 

106 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

will, visible success after labor, that Thy holy- 
Name may be glorified; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord and Savior. Amen. — Guild of St. Paul. 

For a Right Use of Wealth 

OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who for our sakes 
didst become poor, we pray Thee to pro- 
tect them that are rich in this world, that they 
may be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain 
riches, but in Thee, the living God, Who givest 
us richly all things to enjoy. Grant them grace 
so to use their wealth that they may do good, 
and be rich in good works, ready to distribute 
and willing to communicate; laying up in store 
for themselves a good foundation against the 
time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal 
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Sursum Corda" 

And with All Thy Mind 

lyrOST Holy Father, we thank Thee for the 
-LV1- inner kingdom of the mind, for the 
glories which eye hath not seen nor ear heard. 
We thank Thee for Thy footprints in creation 
and for Thy glory in the face of man. Save us, 
107 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

we pray, from all sins of intellect; not only from 
the error and ignorance which belong to our 
frailty, but from prejudice and all unreason, 
from mental insincerity, from lack of rational 
control, and from blasphemy against the Holy 
Spirit. Help us through sincerity, single-mind- 
edness, and enthusiasm to enter the kingdom that 
is open to all believers. 

Give us, above all, grace and endurance to 
plant Thy kingdom in the world in which we 
live, by love of truth, by striving after justice, 
by following fearless wherever light may lead, 
and by giving ourselves, if needs be, even unto 
death. Amen. — W. E. Orchard. 2 



HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray that Thou 
wouldst enrich my mind by the revelations 
of Thy truth. Let me day by day find new en- 
ergy in the Sacred Word. Deliver me from all 
small thinking which will impair my character 
and impoverish the labors of my life. Let me 
have the mind of Christ. — /. H. Jowett. 



^aken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 



108 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

For Colleges 

T) RESERVE, Lord, our colleges as the bul- 
-■- warks of Thy Church, and root out of them 
whatever is contrary to faith and morals; but 
chiefly revive in them such a spirit of devotion, 
that they may send forth many to the work of 
Thy Church at home and abroad, loving Thee 
with a pure love and resolved to offer themselves 
a sacrifice to Thee in winning others to Thy 
love; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — "Interces- 
sory Manual" 

For a School 

ALMIGHTY GOD, I beseech Thee so to bless 
this school that in future years we may 
never regret the time spent here. Pour down 
an abundance of Thy grace, that those who 
teach may influence us aright, and that we may 
behave with respect and submission toward them. 
Banish from us all bitterness and impatience; 
and grant that both teachers and scholars may 
work together for the good of each other, and 
to Thy honor and glory; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



109 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

(~\ GOD, we pray Thee to send Thy blessing 
^-^ upon this school, and grant that by the 
help of Thy Holy Spirit we may strive with 
one heart and mind to make this a place more 
and more pleasing to Thee, for the honor and 
glory of Thy Son our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
—F. H. Sill. 

HEAVENLY FATHER, we ask Thee to 
give to this school 3 , and to each member 
of it in particular, a desire and taste for the 
things that are high and spiritual, the longing 
for a Christlike life. Grant that whatever is 
true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, 
whatever is pure, whatever is lovable and of 
good repute — if there is anything that is unsel- 
fish and generous, if there is anything pleasing 
to Thee — we may cherish the thought of these 
things and, by Thy help, may form our charac- 
ters according to them; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — Adapted from Phil. 4:8-9. 

For Teachers and Scholars 

OLORD JESUS CHRIST, everlasting God, 
bless, we beseech Thee, the boys and girls of 
our schools; to the end that they may be truth- 

*0r household or camp. 

110 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

ful, pure, obedient, and ready to do their duty 
in that state of life to which it shall please Thee 
to call them. Give also to those whom Thou 
hast set over them, grace, so to bring them up 
for Thee, that teachers and scholars may meet 
with joy in the day of Thy appearing, Who 
livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy 
Spirit, world without end. Amen. — "Priests' 
Prayer Book; 9 1870. 

For the World's Student Christian 
Federation 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we most 
humbly praise and bless Thy Name for Thy 
many blessings bestowed upon the World's Stu- 
dent Christian Federation. We pray Thee still 
to bless and prosper its work, and graciously to 
use it for the fulfilment of Thy purposes in the 
establishment of peace among all nations, the 
restoration of visible unity to Thy Church, the 
removal of all social injustice, and the evange- 
lization of the whole world. 

Give wisdom, faith, and courage to all who 

direct the policy of the Federation; keep in 

health and safety those who work and travel for 

it; and grant that by its means the students in 

111 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

all lands may be brought into relations of love 
and sympathy with one another, and may 
earnestly and wisely unite in Thy service, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Book 
of Prayers for Students." 

For Graduates of School or College 

OGOD, we pray Thee for all those who have 
gone forth from this school; strengthen 
them in time of temptation, be ever near to com- 
fort and support them, and grant that in all they 
think or do or say, they may live as in Thy 
sight and service, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — F. H. Sill. 

OGOD, our Keeper and Helper, we humbly 
pray Thee to watch over those who have 
gone forth from us to enter upon their several 
callings in this world. May Thy Fatherly care 
shield them, the love of Thy dear Son preserve 
them from all evil, and the guidance of Thy 
Holy Spirit keep them in the way that leadeth 
to Eternal Life; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — 
C. /. N. Child. 



112 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

For Absent Loved Ones 

OLORD OF LOVE, Who art not far from 
any of Thy children, watch with Thy care 
those who are far away from us; be Thou about 
their path; be Thou within their hearts; be Thou 
their defence upon their right hand; give them 
unfailing trust in Thee; grant them power 
against temptation; qualify them for whatever 
task Thou givest them to do; deliver them from 
the snare of setting duty aside; make it their 
joy to do Thy will. Let not distance break the 
bonds of love which bind them to us and to 
Thee; but knit us closer in Thy love; for the 
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. — Bishop 
W. Boyd Carpenter. 



ALMIGHTY GOD, by Whose goodness we 
were created, and Whose mercies never 
fail ; we commend to Thee all who have a place 
in our hearts and sympathies; all who are joined 
to us by the sacred ties of kindred, friendship, 
and love; all little children who are dear to us; 
all who help us to a faithful life and whose spirit 
turns our duties into love; keep them both out- 
wardly in their bodies and inwardly in their 

113 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

souls, and pour upon them the continual dew of 
Thy blessings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. — /. Hunter. 

Distance Cannot Separate 

OGOD, Who art in every place and from 
Whose knowledge no space or distance 
can ever remove us, we know that those who are 
absent from each other are still present to Thee. 
Defend, we pray Thee, those dear ones (espe- 
cially ) from whom we are 

separated, in all their dangers, both of soul and 
of body. And grant that they and we, by draw- 
ing near to Thee, may be drawing near unto one 
another, bound together by the unseen chain of 
Thy Love, in the communion of the Holy Spirit, 
in the holy fellowship of Thy Saints: that 
whether, or not, as seems best to Thee, we meet 
again, here upon earth, we may surely meet 
again at the Resurrection of the just; and go in 
together to that house of many mansions which 
Thou hast prepared for those who love Thee: 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — /. M. 
Wainwright. 



114 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

BLESS, God, all the members of this our 
family and household, especially those who 
are absent from us. Preserve them waking, 
guard them in their going out and their coming 
in, free from sin and safe from danger, and 
when they sleep may they rest in peace; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Family Prayer 
Book of the Church of Ireland/ 9 

For One Who Is Sick 

LORD, behold he whom Thou lovest is sick, 
but come and lay Thine hand upon him and 
he shall live. Look, merciful Lord of life 
and health upon our loved one now sick. Re- 
new his strength and restore him to health, if it 
be Thy gracious will, Give him in the time of 
bodily weakness the renewal of Thy Spirit, and 
the upholding power of Thy love; and as all 
things work together for good to them that love 
Thee, so do Thou shed abroad in his heart Thy 
love, that out of this weakness he may grow 
stronger in Thee, and in Thy love; for the sake 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop W. 
Boyd Carpenter. 



115 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

A Prayer for All Needy Men 

OGOD, the Creator and Preserver of all 
mankind, we humbly beseech Thee for all 
sorts and conditions of men; that Thou wouldest 
be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, 
Thy saving health unto all nations. More espe- 
cially, we pray for the good estate of the Cath- 
olic 4 Church; that it may be so guided and gov- 
erned by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess 
and call themselves Christians may be led into 
the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of 
spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness 
of life. Finally, we commend to Thy fatherly 
goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted 
or distressed in mind, body, or estate; that it 
may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, 
according to their several necessities, giving them 
patience under their sufferings, and a happy 
issue out of all their afflictions. And this we 
beg for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen. — Bishop 
Gunning, 1614; "Book of Common Prayer," 
1662. 



*The use of the word "Catholic" here, as in the Apostles' Creed, 
indicates that world-wide, universal Church which is composed of 
all those who follow Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth. 

116 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

The General Thanksgiving 

ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of all mercies, we, 
Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee 
most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy good- 
ness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. 
We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life; but, above all, 
for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of 
the world by our Lord Jesus Christ ; for the 
means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, 
we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all 
Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly 
thankful, and that we show forth Thy praise, not 
only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving 
up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking be- 
fore Thee in holiness and righteousness all our 
days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom 
with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and 
glory, world without end. Amen. — Bishop Rey- 
nolds, 1599; "Book of Common Prayer" 1662. 



HPHOU hast given so much to us, give one 
-■■ thing more, a grateful heart; for Christ's 
sake. Amen. — George Herbert, 1593-1633. 



117 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

For Good Hopes and Precious Memories 

MOST heartily do we thank Thee, Lord, 
for all Thy mercies of every kind, and for 
Thy loving care over all Thy creatures. We 
bless Thee for the gift of life, for Thy protec- 
tion round about us, for Thy guiding hand upon 
us, and for the many tokens of Thy love within 
us; especially for the saving knowledge of Thy 
dear Son, our Redeemer ; and for the living pres- 
ence of Thy Spirit, our Comforter. We thank 
Thee for friendship and duty, for good hopes 
and precious memories, for the joys that cheer 
us, and for the trials that teach us to trust in 
Thee. In all these things, our heavenly Father, 
make us wise unto a right use of Thy great bene- 
fits; and so direct us that in word and deed we 
may render an acceptable thanksgiving unto 
Thee, in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — "Book 
of Common Worship" 

For the Beauty of the Earth and the Beauty 
of the Sky 

f\ GOD, we thank Thee for this universe, our 
^-^ great home; for its vastness and its riches, 
and for the manif oldness of the life which teems 

118 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

upon it and of which we are a part. We praise 
Thee for the arching sky and the blessed winds, 
for the driving clouds and the constellations on 
high. We praise Thee for the salt sea and the 
running water, for the everlasting hills, for the 
trees, and for the grass under our feet. We 
thank Thee for our senses by which we can see 
the splendor of the morning, and hear the jubi- 
lant songs of love, and smell the breath of the 
springtime. Grant us, we pray Thee, a heart 
wide open to all this joy and beauty, and save 
our souls from being so steeped in care or so 
darkened by passion that we pass heedless and 
unseeing when even the thornbush by the way- 
side is aflame with the glory of God. — Walter 
Rauschenbusch. 



Thanksgiving for a Much-Desired Blessing 

MOST Gracious God, I am not worthy of the 
blessing which has brought new joy into 
my life. Thou hast granted me my heart's de- 
sire and hast not denied me the request of my 
lips. Add, I pray Thee, this further blessing to 
the other — the gift of a heart so sensible of Thy 
loving kindness that my life may bear witness to 

119 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

the reality of my gratitude. I ask it for the sake 
of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — 
George Wharton Pepper. 5 

Graces 

GRACIOUS GOD, may the food which we are 
about to receive strengthen our bodies; 
and may Thy Holy Spirit strengthen and refresh 
our souls; through Jesus Christ. Amen. — "The 
Tent and the Altar/ 9 1847. 

BLESS us, Lord, in what we are going to 
receive, and make us truly thankful; for 
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



THE Lord bless this food to our use and us to 
His service. Amen. 



I THANK Thee for this answer to my prayer 
for daily bread. May the strength which it 
brings be used in the service of Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — George Wharton Pepper. 

5 Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of 
the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 
fl Ibid. 

120 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 

MAY God relieve the wants of others and 
give us thankful hearts; for Christ's sake. 
Amen. — John Dallas. 

HEAVENLY FATHER, make us thankful to 
Thee and mindful of others as we receive 
these blessings, in Jesus' name* Amen. — "Book 
of Common Worship" 

OUR Father, Thou art the final source of all 
our comforts and to Thee we render thanks 
for this food. But we also remember in grati- 
tude the many men and women whose labor was 
necessary to produce it, and who gathered it 
from the land and afar from the sea for our sus- 
tenance. Grant that they, too, may enjoy the 
fruit of their labor without want, and may be 
bound up with us in a fellowship of thankful 
hearts. — Walter Rauschenbusch. 

Graces for Families with Children 

FATHER, we thank Thee for the night, 
And for the pleasant morning light; 
For rest and food and loving care 
And all that makes the world so fair. Amen. 

121 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

GOD is great, and God is good, 
And we thank Him for this food; 
By His hand must all be fed: 
Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen* 

LORD JESUS, be our Holy Guest, 
Our morning joy, our evening rest; 
And with our daily bread impart 
Thy love and peace to every heart. Amen. 



122 



FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, INCLUD- 
ING TIMES OF WAR 



VIII 

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, INCLUDING 
TIMES OF WAR 

OLORD, Who by Thy holy Apostle hast 
taught us to do all things in the name of 
the Lord Jesus and to Thy glory ; give Thy bless- 
ing, we pray Thee, to this our daily work, that 
we may do it in faith, and heartily, as to the 
Lord and not unto men. All our powers of body 
and mind are Thine, and we would fain devote 
them to Thy service. Sanctify them and the 
work in which they are engaged; let us not be 
slothful, but fervent in spirit, and do Thou, 
Lord, so bless our efforts that they may bring 
forth in us the fruits of true wisdom. Strength- 
en the faculties of our minds and dispose us to 
exert them, but let us always remember to exert 
them for Thy glory, and for the furtherance of 
Thy kingdom. . . . Give us this day Thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may be Thine in body and spirit, 
in all our work and all our refreshments, 
through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
—Thomas Arnold, 1795-1839. 

125 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Forgive Our Feverish Ways 

OLORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst say to 
Thine Apostles, "Come ye apart into a 
desert place and rest awhile," for there were 
many coming and going; grant, we beseech Thee, 
to Thy servants here gathered together, that they 
may rest awhile at this present time with Thee. 
May they so seek Thee, Whom their souls desire 
to love, that they may both find Thee, and be 
found of Thee. And grant such love and such 
wisdom to accompany the words which shall be 
spoken in Thy Name, that they may not fall to 
the ground, but may be helpful in leading us 
onward through the toils of our pilgrimage to 
that rest which remaineth to the people of God; 
where, nevertheless, they rest not day and night 
from Thy perfect service, Who with the Father 
and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest ever one 
God, world without end. Amen. — "Prime and 
Hours." 

In Vacation Time 

ORD, be with us as at this season we go for 
•*-* needed rest and change from daily toil. 
Let Thy Living Presence brighten our holiday. 

126 



FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

May sin have no power to spoil our enjoyment, 
and grant us on our return renewed strength in 
body and mind for life's daily duties, and re- 
newed zeal for Thy service; until the Kingdom 
come. Amen. 



TEACH me to love Thy own beautiful world, 
as Thou didst love it, to whom the moun- 
tains, flowers, and birds ministered; speak to me 
through all the voices of nature; and grant me 
a quick sensitiveness to Thy presence beneath 
her pure and transparent veil. — F. B. Meyer. 



In Time of Distress 

OGOD, most wise and loving and faithful 
Redeemer, Thou hast permitted us to 
come into this present trial . . • in order that 
we may learn obedience by the things that we 
suffer, and turn to Thee, our Helper in the 
time of trouble. Grant, therefore, that there may 
be no bitterness in our sorrow, no despair in our 
submission, and no doubt of Thee in our per- 
plexity of heart. But do Thou teach us to face 
our trial manfully, and cause even the dark 
things of life to work together for our good, and 

127 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

bring us speedily out of our distress, that we 
may praise Thee with a joyful heart, in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. Amen. — "Book of Common 
Worship: 9 

ETERNAL and unchangeable God, in whom 
alone we find rest from our w T eariness and 
comfort for our sorrow, and from whom alone 
cometh all true joy; keep our hearts, we beseech 
Thee, ever fixed on Thee through life and death, 
waiting patiently for that glorious day when we 
shall rejoice in the fulness of Thy love for ever- 
more; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Prayers for the Army and Navy" 

MOST gracious God! Wherever at this 
hour, there is sore sickness in home or 
hospital; wherever souls are passing from time 
into eternity; wherever there are anguish, peril, 
and alarm, there may Thy gentle Holy Spirit 
instil peace and help. I ask it in the name of 
Jesus Christ. — F. B. Meyer. 

Wondrous Things Out of Thy Law 

BLESSED LORD, who has caused all holy 
Scriptures to be written for our learning; 
Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, 
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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by 
patience, and comfort of Thy Holy Word, we 
may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed 
hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given 
us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. — "Rook 
of Common Prayer" 1549. 

OGOD, the Father of lights, whose word is 
enduring, and whose promise cannot fail, 
grant unto us the spirit of wisdom, that we may 
understand Thy Word, and faith that we may 
keep it unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



Hid in My Heart 

OLORD, Thy Word is before us, give us a 
meek, and reverent, and teachable mind, 
whilst we read and study it. Open to us its 
sacred truths, and enable us to receive it, not as 
the word of men, but as the Word of God, which 
liveth and abideth forever. Be Thou, Bleesed 
Spirit, our teacher. Enlighten our minds and 
prepare our hearts. Shine, Lord, upon Thine 
own sacred page, and make it clear to us. What 
we see not show us, and where we are wrong 

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correct us. Bring home some portion to our 
soul, and thus make us wise unto salvation; 
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. — Bishop 
Ashton Oxenden, of Montreal, 1808. 



WHEREWITH shall a young man cleanse 
his way? 
By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 
With my whole heart have I sought thee: 
Oh, let me not wander from thy commandments. 
Thy word have I laid up in my heart, 
That I might not sin against thee. 
Blessed art thou, Jehovah: 
Teach me thy statutes. 
With my lips have I declared 
All the ordinances of thy mouth. 
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, 
As much as in all riches. 
I will meditate on thy precepts, 
And have respect unto thy ways. 
I will delight myself in thy statutes: 
I will not forget thy word. . . . 
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold 
Wondrous things out of thy law. 

Psalm 119:9-16, 18. 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, Whose 
Word is a lantern unto my feet and a light 
unto my steps, I humbly beseech Thee to illumi- 
nate my mind and quicken my zeal that I may 
understand Thy message to me this day and be 
a loyal and faithful witness to others; through 
Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 

Preparation for Holy Communion 

ALMIGHTY and Everliving God, give me 
a realizing sense of Thy presence in the 
midst of Thy world. As I enter Thy House, 
make me to feel Thy nearness even more than 
at other times. When Thy dear Son makes Him- 
self known to me in the breaking of the bread, 
convince me of the reality of His presence and 
overpower me with the manifestation of His 
glory. I am not worthy to stand before Him. 
Let my sense of unworthiness force me to my 
knees. I approach Thine altar in the spirit of 
love; but let it be a love not unmixed with awe. 
In Thy fear, God, let me worship toward Thy 
holy temple. Give me a sense of nearness to the 
unseen world and grant that in this Holy Sacra- 
ment I may unite with saints and angels in their 
adoration of Thy Son our Lord; to Whom, with 

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Thee and the Holy Spirit be honor and glory 
forever and ever. Amen. — George Wharton 
Pepper. 1 

In the Faith of Our Fathers 

ALMIGHTY GOD, who has knit together 
Thine elect in one communion and fellow- 
ship, in the mystical body of Thy Son, Christ 
our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow Thy 
blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, 
that we may come to those unspeakable joys, 
which Thou hast prepared for them that un- 
feignedly love Thee; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen, — "Book of Common Prayer" 
1549. 

OLORD, God of our fathers, we bless Thy 
holy name, Thy grace and mercy, for all 
those who have gone before us to rest in Thee; 
all, in all vocations, who have pleased Thee. 
And, we pray Thee, give us also grace to walk 
before Thee as they walked in righteousness and 
self-denial, that, having labored as they labored, 
we may afterward rest as they rest. Amen. — 
Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1904. 

^aken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of the 
publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

For Our Country 

OLORD of heaven and earth, who leddest 
our fathers forth, making them to go from 
one kingdom to another people: We yield Thee 
hearty thanks for all that Thou didst for them 
and art doing for the land to which they came. 
We remember them not only as valiant in fight, 
but as wise in council, not only as brave war- 
riors, but as far-seeing statesmen, and incorrup- 
tible patriots. And we give Thee thanks for 
them. We remember those of a later day, who 
spared not their lives that our land might be 
one; patriots of the newer time, prophets and 
martyrs of our country's unity. And we give 
Thee thanks for them. And we pray that we 
may follow their good examples and bequeath 
to our children a nation worthy of such founders 
and preservers, meet to do Thy will, a kingdom 
subject completely to Thee and to Thy Christ. 
Amen. 

INTERNAL GOD, Who countest the nations 
-*-^ as the dust of the balance, and takest up 
the isles as a very little thing ; who puttest down 
the mighty from their seat and hast exalted the 
humble and meek; have mercy upon this nation, 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

and look with favor upon the people Thou hast 
planted. . . . 

Have mercy on us for our foolish boast and 
trusted might, and leave us not to the disaster of 
the abyss or the shame of declining power. We 
repent for the poison we have poured into our 
blood, for the despite done to our fair land by 
lust of gold and greed of possession; for the toll 
taken of human souls, and for the contempt 
shown to Christ in the persons of little children, 
the needy, the sick, and those in prison. We 
think with penitence of the foulness of our cities, 
the shame of our streets, the misery of the poor, 
the unconcern of the rich . . . the severity and 
partiality of our laws, and we cry: 

Spare us, good Lord, for our sins are sore. 
Preserve us of Thy mercy, lest our destruction 
be determined, and we go the way of the nations 
that have forgotten God. Amen. — W. E. Or- 
chard. 2 

OGOD, our Ruler and King, put to silence 
the voices of foolish men in this nation; 
kindle the spirit of sacrifice, loyalty, and unity, 
that we may go forth in Thy might to win f ree- 

2 Taken by permission from "The Temple," by "W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 

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FOR SPECIAL OCGASIONS 

dom for the oppressed; through Thy Son, who 
hath made us free, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, our Governor, Whose glory is in 
all the world; we commend this nation 
to Thy merciful care, that being guided by Thy 
Providence we may dwell secure in Thy peace. 
Grant to the President and to all in authority 
wisdom and strength to know and to do Thy 
will. Fill them with the love of truth and 
righteousness; and make them ever mindful of 
their calling to serve this people in Thy fear; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and 
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one 
God, world without end. Amen. — "Prayers for 
the Army and Navy" 

In Time of War 

TT> E Thou unto us at this time of need a tower 
■*-* of strength, a place of refuge, and a de- 
fence against the enemy. Let Thy comfort sup- 
port and strengthen us, Thy mercy keep us, and 
Thy grace guide us. . . . Amen. — "Primer of 
Henry VIII? 1545. 



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OLORD OF HOSTS, bless our sailors and 
soldiers; keep them pure and loyal amid 
all their temptations; and grant that all their 
operations may tend to peace on earth: that 
war being done away, they may fight only in 
their Christian conflict against sin, the world, 
and the devil, and triumph therein by Thy vic- 
torious might, Lord, Thou God of Hosts; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. — "Sur- 
sum Corda? 

OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Who from Thy 
Throne dost behold all the dwellers upon 
earth, look down with pity upon those on whom 
have fallen the miseries of war. Have compas- 
sion on the wounded and dying; comfort the 
broken-hearted; assuage the madness of the na- 
tions; make war to cease; give peace in our 
time, Lord; we ask it in the Name of Him 
Who is the Prince of Peace, even Thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

TTAVE mercy, O Lord, upon the wounded 
*--*- and the suffering, whether of our own 
people or of the enemy. Let Thy grace be 
their comfort, although natural friends be far 

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away. Raise them to health, if it be good, but 
chiefly give them such faith and patience that 
they may glorify Thee upon the earth, and es- 
caping the assaults of Satan, may rest in peace, 
and rise to partake of Thy glory; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — R. M. Benson. 



OLORD GOD of infinite mercy, we humbly 
beseech Thee to look down upon the na- 
tions now engaged in war. Reckon not against 
Thy people their many iniquities, for from the 
lusts of our own hearts come wars and fightings 
amongst us. Look in mercy on those immedi- 
ately exposed to peril, conflict, sickness, and 
death: comfort the prisoners, relieve the suffer- 
ings of the wounded, and show mercy to the 
dying. Remove in Thy good providence all 
causes and occasions of war; dispose the hearts 
of those engaged therein to moderation; and to 
Thy great goodness restore peace among the 
nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
— "Book of Common Worship" 

r\ GOD, Who art the Father of all, and Who 
V alone makest men to be of one mind in a 
house, we beseech Thee, at this time of strife and 

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unrest, to grant to us, by the inspiration of Thy 
Holy Spirit, a fuller realization of our brother- 
hood, man with man in Thee; allay all anger 
and bitterness, and deepen in us a sense of 
truth and equity in our dealings one with an- 
other; for the sake of Thy Son, our Lord, Jesus 
Christ. Amen. — Archbishop of Canterbury. 

GIVE Thy blessing, Father, to the people 
of that great and fair land, with whose 
rulers we are at war. Strengthen the hands of 
the wise and just, who follow charity and look 
for justice and freedom, among them as among 
us. Drive away the evil passions of hatred, sus- 
picion, and the fever of war, among them as 
among us. Relieve and comfort the anxious, 
the bereaved, the sick and tormented, and all 
the pale host of sufferers, among them as among 
us. Reward the patience, industry, loving kind- 
ness, and simplicity of the common people and 
all the men of good heart, among them as among 
us. Forgive the cruelty, the ambition, the fool- 
ish pride, the heartless schemes, of which the 
world's rulers have been guilty. Teach us 
everywhere to repent and to amend. Help us 
so to use our present afflictions, which come from 
us and not from Thee, that we may build on the 

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ruins of our evil past a firm and lasting peace. 
Grant that, united in a good understanding with 
these who are now become our enemies, though 
they are our brethren in Christ, they and we 
may establish a new order, wherein the nations 
may live together in trust and fellowship, in the 
emulation of great achievements and the rivalry 
of good deeds, truthful, honest, and just in our 
dealings one with another, and following in all 
things the standard of the Son of Man, whom 
we have denied, and put to shame, and crucified 
afresh upon the Calvary of our battle ground. 
Amen. — Charles Gore, Bishop of Oxford. 

LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who hast command- 
ed us not to return evil for evil, but to 
pray for those who hate us; Enable us by Thy 
blessed example and Thy loving Spirit, to offer 
a true prayer for all our enemies (and espe- 
cially for those persons known to Thee, who 
have wrought us harm) . If in anything we have 
given just cause of offense, teach us to feel, and 
to confess, and to amend our fault, that a way 
of reconciliation may be found. Let not their 
anger burn against us, but deliver them and us 
from the power of hatred, so that we may be 
as ready to grant forgiveness as they to ask it, 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

and the peace of God may rule in all our hearts, 
both now and evermore. Amen. — "Book of 
Common Worship: 9 

STRENGTHEN our sense of justice and our 
regard for the equal worth of other peoples 
and races. Grant to the rulers of nations faith 
in the possibility of peace through justice, and 
grant to the common people a new and stern en- 
thusiasm for the cause of peace. Bless our sol- 
diers and sailors for their swift obedience and 
their willingness to answer to the call of duty, 
but inspire them none the less with a hatred of 
war, and may they never for love of private 
glory or advancement provoke its coming. May 
our young men still rejoice to die for their coun- 
try with the valor of their fathers, but teach our 
age nobler methods of matching our strength 
and more effective ways of giving our life for 
the flag. 

thou strong Father of all nations, draw all 
thy great family together with an increasing 
sense of our common blood and destiny, that 
peace may come on earth at last, and thy sun 
may shed its light rejoicing on a holy brother- 
hood of peoples. Amen. — Walter Rauschen- 
busch. 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

BESTOW upon me, God, that courage 
which thou alone givest, that I may meet 
serenely whatever comes, and may never fail 
to think brave thoughts and do brave deeds; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OLORD, Thou knowest how busy we must 
be this day; if we forget Thee, do not 
Thou forget us; for Christ's sake. Amen. — 
General Lord Astley, 1579-1652 {before the 
Battle of Edgehill). 

JESUS, make me care less for the opinion 
of man, and more, far more, for what 
Thou thinkest. ... Jesus, may the remem- 
brance of my having approached Thy table, and 
renewed my vows to Thee, cause me to live 
closer to Thee for the rest of my life; and do 
Thou, blessed Spirit, warm this cold heart of 
mine! Amen. — Captain Hedley Vicars, 1826- 
1855. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, the refuge of all them 
that put their trust in thee: We turn to 
thee in this time of trouble; direct the course 
of this world, we humbly beseech thee, in ac- 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

cordance with thy holy will; take away what- 
soever hinders the nations from unity and con- 
cord; prosper all counsels which make for the 
restoration of a rightful and abiding peace. 
And this we ask for thy mercy's sake, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Public and 
Private Worship in Time of War" 

OGOD, who hast sent us to school in this 
strange life of ours, and hast set us tasks 
which test all our courage, trust, and fidelity; 
may we not spend our days complaining at cir- 
cumstance or fretting at discipline, but give 
ourselves to learn of life and to profit by every 
experience. Make us strong to endure. 

We pray that when trials come upon us we 
may not shirk the issue or lose our faith in Thy 
goodness, but committing our souls unto Thee 
who knowest the way that we take, come forth 
as gold tried in the fire. 

Grant by Thy grace that we may not be found 
wanting in the hour of crisis. When the battle 
is set, may we know on which side we ought to 
be, and when the day goes hard, cowards steal 
from the field, and heroes fall around the stand- 
ard, may our place be found where the fight is 
fiercest. If we faint, may we not be faithless; 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

if we fall, may it be while facing the foe. Amen. 
— W. E. Orchard. 9 

For Those at Home 

HEAVENLY FATHER, who didst sustain 
thy most dear Son upon the cross; give 
courage and faith to those who in the time of 
war abide at home; make their love a beacon 
to those who struggle in the night of battle; 
whereby both together may receive from Thee 
the praise of deeds well done; through our Re- 
deemer Jesus Christ. Amen. — Used in Grace 
Church. 

They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait 

OGOD, who from generation to generation 
art our Refuge and our Strength, hear 
our prayer for ourselves and for the land we 
love; may we never forget that righteousness 
alone exalteth a nation, and so may all national 
pride and ambition be far from us; bless our 
President, that he may lead us in the costly paths 
of Thy faith and love; may we seek to excel in 
the practice of forgiveness and service. Keep 

8 Taken by permission from "The Temple," by W. E. Orchard, 
copyright E. P. Dutton and Company. 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

those who fight in our armies from impurity and 
hate, and may our courage and consecration 
equal theirs in our battle with whatever is hate- 
ful or unloving in our homes, our schools, our 
factories, our streets. 

Give us patience for self-discipline that we 
may be prepared with keen minds and clean 
hearts for our work in the world; may we seek 
and find God's plan and not our own, being glad 
to give our lives if need be that war may be 
done away and that Jesus Christ may reign in 
the hearts of all men everywhere. Amen. 

For All Nations 

OGOD, who hast made of one blood all na- 
tions of men to dwell on the face of the 
whole earth, and who of old didst send forth 
Thy messengers to prepare the way of the Lord ; 
grant that all men everywhere may seek after 
Thee and find Thee. Bring the nations into Thy 
fold, and hasten Thy Kingdom. Prepare our 
hearts to receive Thy truth in the love of it. 
May the truth make us free from the bondage of 
error and evil with the glorious liberty of the 
children of God. May the fruit be unto holiness, 
and the end the life that is life indeed. Amen. 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

OTHOU in Whose hand are the hearts of 
Thy children, shed abroad Thy peace 
upon the world. By the might of Thy Holy 
Spirit quench the pride, and anger, and greedi- 
ness, which cause man to strive against man, 
and people against people. Lead all nations in 
the ways of mutual help and good will, and 
hasten the time when all the world shall confess 
Thee for its Savior and King, Amen. 

WE bring before Thee, Lord, the troubles 
and perils of people and nations, the sigh- 
ing of prisoners and captives, the sorrows of 
the bereaved, the necessities of strangers, the 
helplessness of the weak, the despondency of the 
weary, the failing powers of the aged. Lord, 
draw near to each; for the sake of Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — St. Anselm, 1033-1086. 

OTHOU who art the hope of all the ends of 
the earth, 
And of those who are far off upon the sea, 
Remember Thy whole creation for good ; 
Visit the world in Thy compassion. 

Thou Preserver of men, who lovest all Thy 
children: 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Remember all our race. 

For all have sinned and come short of the knowl- 
edge of God. 
Have pity, Lord, on all. 
For Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner, 
But that all should turn to Thee and live. 

Thou who didst die and rise again 

To be Lord, both of the dead and the living: 

Whether we live, or whether we die, 

Thou art the Lord. 

Helper of the helpless, 

Refuge for the oppressed, 

great Rock casting a shadow in a weary land, 

Covert from the storm, 

Refuge in the times of trouble: 

Remember all who are in necessity, 

All who need Thy succor. 

O Lord of the Harvest: 

Send forth laborers made sufficient by Thee 
Into Thy harvest. 

King of Nations unto the ends of the earth : 
Strengthen all the kingdoms and states of the 
whole world, 

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FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

As being Thy ordinance, for so Thou hast 

created man. 
Scatter the people that delight in war. 
Make wars to cease unto the ends of the earth. 

The Lord bless us and keep us; 

The Lord make his face to shine upon us and 

be gracious unto us: 
The Lord lift up his countenance upon us and 

give us peace. Amen. 

Bishop Andrewes, 1555-1626. 



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SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 



IX 
SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

For Social Need 

LORD have mercy upon us. 
Christ have mercy upon us. 
Lord have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, born in poverty, 
Jesus, born to bring peace among men, 
Jesus, workman at Nazareth, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, in Whom the proud were scattered and 

the mighty put down, 
Jesus, giving good things to the hungry, 
Jesus, exalting them of low degree, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, in Whom all the nations of the earth are 

one, 
Jesus, in Whom is neither bond nor free, 
Jesus, brother of all, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, preaching good tidings to the poor, 
Jesus, proclaiming release to the captives, 
Jesus, setting at liberty them that are bruised, 

Have mercy upon us. 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Jesus, friend of the poor, 
Jesus, feeder of the hungry, 
Jesus, healer of the sick, 

Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, denouncing the oppressor, 
Jesus, instructing the simple, 
Jesus, going about to do good, 
Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, teacher of patience, 
Jesus, pattern of gentleness, 
Jesus, leading hearts from earthly to heavenly 
things, 

Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, forgiving them that love much, 
Jesus, drawing all men unto Thee, 
Jesus, calling them that labor and are heavy 
laden, 
Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, Who earnest not to be ministered unto, 

but to minister, 
Jesus, Who hadst not where to lay Thy head, 
Jesus, loved by the common people, 
Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, betrayed for the sake of money, 
Jesus, taken by the chief priests, 

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SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

Jesus, condemned by the rulers, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, crucified for us, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, Who hast called us to the fellowship of 

thy Kingdom, 
Jesus, in Whom is no respect of persons, 
Jesus, Who wilt know us by our fruits, 

Have mercy upon us. 
Jesus, Who wilt say to us at the Last Day, "In- 
asmuch as ye have done it unto one of the 
least of these my brethren, ye have done 
it unto me," 

Have mercy upon us. 
From love of money, 
From dishonesty in business, 
From forgetfulness of our duty, 
From anger and malice against opponents, 
From contempt of others, 
From offence against thy little ones, 
From oppression of the poor, 
From the acceptance of worldly standards, 
From all pride, 
From all lust, 
From all anger, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

By Thy taking of our flesh, 
By Thy humble birth, 
By Thy hard life, 
By Thy bitter death, 

By Thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, 
Good Lord, deliver us. 

Finally, we beseech Thee, Lord, mighty and 
pitiful, that Thou wilt guide, protect, and 
inspire all those who learn and labor 
truly to get their own living. 

For men who face peril, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For women who suffer pain, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For those who till the earth, 
For those who tend machinery, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For those who strive on the deep waters, 
For those who venture in far countries, 
We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For those who work in offices and warehouses, 
For those who labor at furnaces and in fac- 
tories, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 



154 



SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

For those who toil in mines, 
For those who buy and sell, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For those who keep house, 
For those who train children, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For all who live by strength of arm, 
For all who live by cunning of hand, 
We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

For all who control, rule, or employ, 
We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

And for all labor of the heart and brain: 

Of the leader's judgment, 

Of the manager's skill, 

Of the doctor's care, 

Of the lawyer's discernment, 

Of the civilian's discretion, 

Of the scientist's knowledge, 

Of the scholar's reason, 

Of the writer's wit, 

Of the artist's power, 

Of the teacher's patience, 

Of the pastor's zeal, 

Of the prophet's fire, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

And for all those who are poor, and broken, and 

oppressed : 
For all whose labor is without hope, 
For all whose labor is without honor, 
For all whose labor is without interest, 
For those who have too little leisure, 
For those who are underpaid, 
For women workers, 

For those who work in dangerous trades, 
For those who cannot find work, 
For those who will not work, 
For those who have no home, 
For prisoners and outcasts, 
For victims of lust, 

For all who are intemperate or luxurious, 
For all who are sick or hungry, 

We beseech Thee, good Lord. 

Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the 
world, 

Have mercy upon us. 

Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the 
world, 

Receive our prayer. 

Our Father. 



156 



SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

Let us pray: 

Father of light and God of all truth, purge 
the whole world from all errors, abuses, corrup- 
tions, and sins. Beat down the standard of 
Satan, and set up everywhere the standard of 
Christ. Abolish the reign of sin, and establish 
the kingdom of grace in all hearts. Let humil- 
ity triumph over pride and ambition; charity 
over hatred, envy, and malice; purity and tem- 
perance over lust and excess; meekness over 
passion; and disinterest and poverty of spirit 
over covetousness and the love of this perishing 
world. Let the Gospel of Christ, in faith and 
practice, prevail throughout the world; through 
Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the 
Holy Ghost, one God world without end. Amen, 
— Percy Dearmer. 

For Character 

I/ 1 ROM infirmity of purpose, from want of 
-*- earnest care and interest, from the sluggish- 
ness of indolence, and the slackness of indiffer- 
ence, and from all spiritual deadness of heart, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 
From dulness of conscience, from feeble sense 

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THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

of duty, from thoughtless disregard of others, 
from a low ideal of the obligations of our posi- 
tion, and from all half-heartedness in our work, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 

From weariness in continuing struggles, from 
despondency in disappointment, and from mor- 
bid brooding over failure, raise us to a lively 
hope and trust in Thy presence and mercy, in 
the power of faith and prayer, and from all 
exaggerated fears and vexations, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 

From self-conceit and vanity and boasting, 
from delight in supposed success and superior- 
ity, and from all the harms and hindrances of 
offensive manners and self-assertion, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 

From love of flattery, from over-ready belief 
in praise, from dislike of criticism, and from 
all self-deception, 

Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 

From all jealousy, whether of equals or 
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SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

superiors, from grudging others success, from 
impatience of submission and all insubordina- 
tion to law, order, and authority, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 

Lord. 
From all hasty utterances of impatience, from 
the retort of irritation and the taunt of sarcasm, 
from all infirmity of temper in provoking or 
being provoked; from love of unkind gossip, 
and from all idle words that may do hurt, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 

Lord. 
Give us knowledge of ourselves, our powers 
and weaknesses. Teach us by Thy Word, by the 
judgments of others, by examination of our- 
selves; give us earnest desire to strengthen our- 
selves continually by study, by diligence, by 
prayer and meditation, and from all delusions 
and prejudices, individual or corporate, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 

O Lord. 

Chiefly, Lord, we pray Thee give us knowl- 
edge of Thee, to see Thee in all Thy works, 
always to feel Thy presence near and to hear 
Thy call. Uplift our hearts to new love, energy, 
and devotion, that we may be unburdened from 

159 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

the grief and shame of past faithlessness and go 
forth in Thy strength to persevere through suc- 
cess and failure, through good report and evil 
report, even to the end; and in all time of our 
tribulation, in all time of our rejoicing, 
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
Lord. 

Bishop Ridding of India. 

For a School 

I/ 1 ROM worldliness and irreverence, from con- 
-*- tempt and negligence of grace, and from all 
forgetfulness of grace received, 
Good Lord, deliver us. 
From dishonoring Thy holy Name, and Thy 
Word, Thy holy Church, and all holy Sea- 
sons, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 
From disobedience and want of regard to all 
those whom Thou hast set over us, 
Good Lord, deliver us. 
From malicious and revengeful thoughts, from 
angry and evil tempers, and from want of 
love one to another, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

160 



SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

From impurity, whether of mind or body, from 
sensual indulgence, in touch or taste, from 
vanity in dress, and from all consideration 
of self, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

From dishonesty, whether in word or action, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 
From evil speaking, lying, and slandering, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

From seeking that we have not, from striving to 
seem better than we are, and from slothful- 
ness in the use of that which Thou has 
given, 

Good Lord, deliver us. 

That it may please Thee to bless all the schools 
for which we are specially bound to pray, 
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 

That it may please Thee to increase within them 
a spirit of devotion in the use of Thy holy 
Sacraments, and of all means of grace, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 

That it may please Thee to increase within them 
a careful diligence in the cultivation of in- 
tellect for Thy honor and glory, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
161 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

That it may please Thee to grant unto all their 
members, health and holiness of body and 
mind, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 

That it may please Thee of Thy great mercy to 

call many from amongst us to the work of 

the sacred ministry, and fit us to correspond 

with Thy call, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to guide us by Thy holy 
inspiration in every station of life to which 
Thou shouldst be pleased to call us, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to bless and prosper the 
work of the colleges and universities, and 
especially to give Thy holy angels charge 
concerning those of our own number who 
are there, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to bring us all, when 
the probation of life is over, to the joy of 
Thy Kingdom, 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 

Intercessory Manual. 



162 



SPECIAL SERVICES OF PRAYER 

In Time of War 

THAT it may please Thee to give wisdom, 
guidance, and courage to our President and 
all his counselors; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to uphold and protect 
those who are in command by land or sea; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to inspire the soldiers 
and sailors of our country with courage, endur- 
ance, and mercy whether in victory or defeat; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to support and com- 
fort all these who suffer; the sick, the wounded, 
and the dying; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to support and save 
the weak, the helpless, and all who are suffering 
privation; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to grant endurance, 
skill, and gentleness to all those who have gone 
forth to minister to soul or body; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to give spiritual 
163 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

strength and forgiveness in their last hour to the 
dying, and that Thou wouldst receive their souls 
into Thy holy keeping and grant them a merciful 
judgment at the last day; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 
That it may please Thee to establish the right 
and speedily to restore a lasting peace to all the 
world on the unshakable foundation of right- 
eousness and brotherhood; 

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord. 

"Public and Private Worship in Time of War." 



164 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 



X 

MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 
Monday — Purity 

OLORD, Thou hast searched me and known 
me. 
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine upris- 
ing; Thou understandest my thought 
afar off. 
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, 

and art acquainted with all my ways. 
For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, 
Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. 

Psalm 139:1-4. 



i 



F I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will 
not hear me. Psalm 66:18. 



HOLY GOD, I would present my body to 
Thee. May I regard it as the temple of 
the Holy Ghost ! Help me to revere the laws of 
health as the very thoughts and commands of 
God. Amen. — /. H. Jowett. 



167 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

NOW, God, my Savior, I entreat Thee sub- 
due mine iniquities. Only Thine Almighty 
arm can vanquish them. I look to Thee for vic- 
tory. Fight for me; fight in me: that I may be 
more than conqueror, through Him that loved 
me. Amen.— Edward Bicker steth, 1786-1850. 

GRANT, Lord, that as we go forth once 
more to our daily labor we may remember 
the truths that we learned, and may carry out 
the resolutions we made on Thy holy day. Keep 
us from our besetting sins, and strengthen us to 
do Thy holy will, that we may never forget 
Whose we are and Whom we serve; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop Walsham 
How, 1823-1897. 

OGOD, most merciful Father, Thou speakest 
through Thine only begotten Son, our 
Lord Jesus Christ, saying: "Ask, and it shall 
be given unto you." Give us now Thy Holy 
Spirit, that our hearts may be strengthened for 
the work of this week; through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. — Father John of the Russian Church. 



168 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

LORD, I my vows to Thee renew; 
Scatter my sins as morning dew; 
Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with Thyself my spirit fill. 

Direct, control, suggest, this day, 

All I design, or do, or say; 

That all my powers, with all their might, 

In Thy sole glory may unite. 

Bishop Ken, 1637-1711. 



w 



Tuesday — Truthfulness 

HO can understand his errors? 
Cleanse Thou me from secret faults. 

Psalm 19:12. 



TF we say that we have fellowship with Him, 
-*• and walk in darkness, w T e lie, and do not 
the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is 
in the light, we have fellowship one with an- 
other, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son 
cleanseth us from all sin. — / John 1:6,7. 

169 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYED 

ALMIGHTY GOD, unto Whom all hearts be 
open, all desires known, and from Whom 
no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our 
hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, 
that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily 
magnify Thy holy Name; through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. — Bishop Leo f He, 1050; "Book of 
Common Prayer" 1549. 



C\ ALMIGHTY GOD, grant, we beseech Thee, 
^^ that we whose trust is under the shadow 
of Thy wings, may, through the help of Thy 
power, overcome all evils that rise up against 
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Roman Breviary, 39 1099. 

ETERNAL GOD, who hast neither dawn nor 
evening, yet sendest us alternate mercies 
of the darkness and the day; there is no light 
but Thine, without, within. As Thou liftest the 
curtain of night from our abodes, take also the 
veil from all our hearts. Rise with Thy morn- 
ing upon our souls: quicken all our labor and 
our prayer: and though all else declines, let the 
noontide of Thy grace and peace remain. May 

170 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

we walk, while it is yet day, in the steps of Him 
who, with fewest hours, finished Thy divinest 
work. Amen. — James Martineau, 1805-1900. 



OLORD, listen now to the prayer of Thy 
servants, who desire to fear Thy Name. 
Prosper us this day in our work. Help us ever 
to remember that Thou art a God at hand, that 
no secret place is hidden from Thee, but that 
all our thoughts, and words, and actions, are 
seen and known to Thee. Make us truthful in 
all our words, holy in all our thoughts, and 
honest in every act. Make Thy presence a hap- 
piness to us. Let us often think of Thee as our 
Father, and Friend, and our Helper in every 
time of need. Bless all who are dear to us, and 
teach them the paths of goodness and truth; 
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 
— Order of the Holy Cross. 

IF I am right, Thy grace impart 
Still in the right to stay; 
If I am wrong, oh ! teach my heart 
To find that better way 

Alexander Pope, 1688-1744. 
171 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Wednesday — Duty and Guidance 

T^HOU art my rock and my fortress; there- 
-*• fore for Thy name's sake lead me, and 
guide me. Psalm 31:3. 

WILL acknowledge my sin unto Thee; and 

-*- mine unrighteousness have I not hid. 

I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord; and 
so Thou forgavest the wickedness of my 
sin. 

For this shall everyone that is godly make his 
prayer unto Thee, in a time when Thou 
mayest be found: but in the great water- 
floods they shall not come nigh him. 

Thou art a place to hide me in, Thou shalt pre- 
serve me from trouble: Thou shalt com- 
pass me about with songs of deliverance. 

I will inform thee, and teach thee in the way 
wherein thou shalt go; and I will guide 
thee with mine eye. 

Be ye not like to horse and mule, which have 
no understanding: whose mouths must 
be held with bit and bridle, lest they fall 
upon thee. 
Psalm 32:5-10 (Prayer Book version). 

172 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

OGOD, who knowest that we are not suffi- 
cient of ourselves to think anything as of 
ourselves, but that all our sufficiency is of Thee; 
assist us with Thy grace in all the work which 
we are to undertake this week. Direct us in it 
by Thy wisdom, support us by Thy power, that 
doing our duty diligently, we may bring it to a 
good end, so that it may be profitable to our 
souls, and tend to the greater glory of Thy 
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
"Treasury of Devotion" 1872, 



OLORD, who hast reserved for each one of 
us a special purpose in Thy Kingdom; 
grant us prayerfully and diligently to seek out 
Thy Holy Will for ourselves, that whether 
abroad or at home, whether in Thy ministry or 
ordinary life, or in whatever station, we may 
serve Thee where we are set and find peace and 
power in the fulfilment of Thy Will. Amen. 



I WORSHIP Thee, sweet Will of God, 
And all Thy ways adore; 
And every day I live I seem 

To love Thee more and more. . . . 

173 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

When obstacles and trials seem 

Like prison-walls to be, 
I do the little I can do, 

And leave the rest to Thee. 

He always wins who sides with God, 

To him no chance is lost; 
God's will is sweetest to him when 

It triumphs at his cost. 

Frederick W. Faber. 



o 



Thursday — Courage 

NLY be strong and very courageous. 

Joshua 1:7. 



w 



ATCH ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you 
like men, be strong. / Cor. 16:13. 



TEACH us to look, in all our ends, 
On Thee for Judge, and not our friends; 
That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed 
By fear or favor of the crowd. 

Rudyard Kipling. 

174 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

OGOD who art the author of peace and lov- 
er of concord, in knowledge of whom 
standeth our eternal life, Whose service is per- 
fect freedom; defend us, Thy humble servants, 
in all assaults of our enemies, that we, surely 
trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power 
of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. — "Gelasian Sacramen- 
tary" 494; "Book of Common Prayer." 



GRANT us, Lord, such boldness in Thee 
that we may set our faces as a flint and 
not be ashamed, but contending valiantly for 
the truth may out of weakness be made strong 
and conquer in Thy might; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — "The Priest's Prayer Book." 



ORD, I know not what is before me this 
■*-* day, but Thou knowest. I desire to leave 
all in Thy hands, and to place myself at Thy 
disposal. Do for me as Thou seest best. Pros- 
per me in all that I undertake. Give me good 
success, if it be Thy will. But, if Thou seest 
that crosses and disappointments are better for 

175 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

me, give me grace to accept them as from Thee. 
Enable me to bear them meekly and cheerfully, 
and to say, Father, not my will, but Thine, be 
done. my God, make me happy this day in 
Thy service. Keep my conscience void of 
offence. Let me do nothing, say nothing, desire 
nothing, which is contrary to Thy will. Give 
me a thankful spirit. for a heart to praise 
Thee for all that Thou hast given me, and for 
all Thou hast withheld from me. Amen. — 
Ashton Oxenden, Bishop of Montreal, 

BLESSED LORD, Who wast tempted in all 
things like as we are, have mercy upon our 
frailty. Out of weakness give us strength. Grant 
to us Thy fear, that we may fear Thee only. 
Support us in time of temptation. Embolden us 
in the time of danger. Help us to do Thy 
work with good courage, and to continue Thy 
faithful soldiers and servants unto our life's 
end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
Bishop B. F. Westcott, 1825-1901. 



176 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

Friday— Service and Sacrifice 

YOU are aware how those who are deemed 
rulers among the Gentiles lord it over them, 
and their great men make them feel their author- 
ity; but it is not to be so among you. No, who- 
ever desires to be great among you must be your 
servant; and whoever desires to be first among 
you must be the bondslave of all. For the Son 
of Man also did not come to be waited on, but 
to wait on others, and to give His life as a re- 
demption-price for a multitude of people. — 
Mark 10:42-45 (Weymouth translation). 



FORTH in Thy name, Lord, I go, 
My daily labor to pursue; 
Thee, only Thee, resolved to know 
In all I think, or speak, or do. 

The task Thy wisdom hath assigned 

let me cheerfully fulfil ; 
In all my works Thy presence find, 

And prove Thy good and perfect Will. 

Charles Wesley, 1707-1788. 



177 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OMOST merciful Father, we confess that we 
have done little to forward Thy kingdom 
in the world, and to advance Thy glory. We 
would humble ourselves before Thee for our 
past neglects, and seek for Thy forgiveness. 
Pardon our shortcomings. Give us greater zeal 
for Thy glory. Make us more ready and more 
diligent by our prayers, by our alms, and by 
our examples, to spread abroad the knowledge 
of Thy Truth, and to enlarge the boundaries of 
Thy Kingdom. May the love of Christ con- 
strain us, and may we do all to Thy glory; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Bishop 
Walsham How, 1823-1397. 



OGOD, our heavenly Father, in Whom we 
live and move and have our being; have 
mercy upon all who are in poverty and dis- 
tress. Be Thou their succor and defence, pro- 
vide them with food and clothing sufficient for 
their bodily needs, and grant them day by day 
to cast all their care upon Thee. Help us in 
some way to help them; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — John Hunter. 



178 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

TEACH us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou 
deservest; to give and not to count the cost; 
to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and 
not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for 
any reward, save that of knowing that we do 
Thy will ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
— Ignatius de Loyola, 1491-1556. 

GO, labor on : spend and be spent, 
Thy joy to do the Father's will; 
It is the way the Master went, 

Should not the servant tread it still? 

Horatius Bonar. 



M 



Saturday — Loyalty 

Y meat is to do the will of Him that sent 
me, and to finish His work. 

John 4:34. 



THIS one thing I do . . . 
Phil. 3:13. 
179 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OLORD, our Guide even unto death, grant 
us, I pray Thee, grace to follow Thee 
whithersoever Thou goest. In little daily duties 
to which Thou callest us, bow down our wills to 
simple obedience, patience under pain or provo- 
cation, strict truthfulness of word and manner, 
humility, kindness : in great acts of duty or per- 
fection if Thou shouldest call us to them, uplift 
us to self-sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down 
of life for Thy Truth's sake or for a brother. 
Amen.— C. G. Rossetti, 1830-1904. 

FATHER, Who in baptism didst make me 
Thy child, I long to grow to man's estate 
and to attain to the fulness of my spiritual sta- 
ture. To this end, O Father, I crave such an 
abundance of Thy blessing as will make me wise 
and strong unto salvation. Pour Thy Spirit 
upon me that I may see the vision of a life lived 
in the service of Our Lord. Grant me grace to 
make the fulfilment of this vision the end and 
aim of my existence. Turn away mine eyes 
from all that may distract. Make me strong in 
Thy strength and wise with Thy wisdom. Grant 
that I may be loyal to Our Lord in time of trial 
and that I may not turn my back in the day of 

180 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

battle. Let me be with Thee in life and be 
Thou with me in death; for the sake of Thy Son, 
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.— George 
Wharton Pepper. 1 

OLORD, our God, refresh us with quiet 
sleep, when we are wearied with the day's 
labor; that being assisted with the help which 
our weakness needs, we may be devoted to Thee 
both in body and mind; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. — Leonine Sacramentary, 440. 



GRANT, O Lord, that what we have said with 
our lips, we may believe in our hearts and 
practice in our lives; and of Thy mercy keep 
us faithful unto the end; for Christ's sake. 
Amen, — John Hunter. 



OLORD and Master of us all; 
Whate'er our name or sign, 
We own Thy sway, we hear Thy call, 
We test our lives by Thine. 

/. G. Whittier, 1807-1892. 

1 Taken from "The Way," by G. W. Pepper, by permission of 
the publishers, Longmans, Green and Company. 

181 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Sunday — Worship and Obedience 

LOOK for the Lord; my soul doth wait for 
■*■ Him: in His word is my trust. 

My soul fleeth unto the Lord : before the morn- 
ing watch, I say, before the morning watch. 
Psalm 130:5, 6 (Prayer Book Version). 

WHATSOEVER we ask we receive of Him, 
because we keep His commandments and 
do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 

/ John 3 :22. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, from Whom every good 
prayer cometh, and Who pourest out on 
all who desire it the spirit of grace and suppli- 
cation; deliver us, when we draw nigh to Thee, 
from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, 
that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affec- 
tions we may worship Thee in spirit and in 
truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — 
William Bright, 1861. 

GRANT us, Lord, to pass this day in glad- 
ness and peace, without stumbling and 
without stain; that, reaching the eventide vic- 

182 



MEDITATIONS FOR A WEEK 

torious over all temptation, we may praise Thee, 
the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern 
all things, world without end. Amen. — Mozara- 
bic Sacramentary before A. D. 700. 

OOUR God, we humbly beseech Thee to 
purify our hearts from all vain and 
worldly and sinful thoughts, and so prepare our 
souls to worship Thee this day acceptably, with 
reverence and godly fear. Lord, set our affec- 
tion on things above all the day long, and give 
us grace to receive Thy Word which we shall 
hear this day, into honest and good hearts, and 
bring forth fruit with patience. Hear us, God, 
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 
— Archbishop Hamilton, 1511. 

OLORD GOD of our life, Who hast given us 
the rest of this sacred day, grant that the 
benediction of its restfulness may abide upon us 
throughout the week. Enable us to carry the 
influence of its consecration into all that we do; 
let the praises of our lips rendered to Thee this 
day become praise in our lives. May the power 
of Thy love be with us in every duty, that by 

183 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

pureness, by knowledge, and by tenderness we 
may glorify Thee; through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
— Bishop W. Boyd Carpenter. 

RENEW my will from day to day, 
Blend it with Thine, and take away 
All that now makes it hard to say, 
Thy Will be done. 

C, Elliott, 1789-1871. 



184 



BOOKS OF DEVOTION 



XI 
BOOKS OF DEVOTION 

WITH the practice of prayer I should ear- 
nestly recommend the use of some books 
of devotion, like Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living 
and Dying" — some book which will make us 
acquainted with the feelings, and reflections, and 
resolutions of good men, who have gone through 
the self-same struggle with adversity. — Thomas 
Arnold, 1795-1839, 

The following books are arranged in the order 
of their helpfulness to one of immature experi- 
ence in prayer. 

"With Christ in the School of Prayer," Andrew 

Murray. 
"The Discipline of Prayer." 
"The Meaning of Prayer," Harry Emerson Fos- 

dick. 
"The Practice of the Presence of God," Brother 

Lawrence. 
"Letters to His Friends," Forbes Robinson. 
"The Way," George Wharton Pepper. 
"Self-training in Prayer," Alan H. McNeile. 
"The Open Secret," R. F. Horton. 

187 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

"The Still Hour," Austin Phelps. 

"The Communion of Prayer," The Bishop of 

Ripon. 
"A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life," 

William Law. 

Also the following pamphlets: 
"The Morning Watch," John R. Mott. 
"How to Make Jesus Christ Real," John R. Mott. 
"What Can Prayer Accomplish Apart from the 

Man Who Prays?" E. I. Bosworth. 
"How to Use the Morning Quiet Time," R. P. 

Wilder. 



188 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 



XII 
PRAYERS IN VERSE 

OGOD, our help in ages past, 
Our hope for years to come, 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, 
And our eternal home; 

Under the shadow of Thy throne 
Thy saints have dwelt secure; 

Sufficient is Thine arm alone, 
And our defence is sure. 

Before the hills in order stood, 
Or earth received her frame, 

From everlasting Thou art God, 
To endless years the same. 

A thousand ages in Thy sight 

Are like an evening gone; 
Short as the watch that ends the night 

Before the rising sun. 

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, 

Bears all its sons away; 
They fly forgotten, as a dream 

Dies at the opening day. 
191 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope for years to come, 
Be Thou our guard while life shall last, 

And our eternal home. 

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. 

NOW that the daylight fills the sky, 
We lift our hearts to God on high, 
That He, in all we do or say, 
Would keep us free from harm today; 

Would guard our hearts and tongues from strife, 
From anger's din would hide our life; 
From all ill sights would turn our eyes; 
Would close our ears from vanities; 

Would keep our inmost conscience pure; 
Our souls from folly would secure; 
Would bid us check the pride of sense 
With due and holy abstinence. 

So we, when this new day is gone, 
And night in turn is drawing on, 
With conscience by the world unstained, 
Shall praise His Name for victory gained. 

From the Latin (translated by Rev. John Mason 
Neale) . 

192 



P RAYERS IN VERSE 

Crusaders' Hymn 

FAIREST Lord Jesus, 
Ruler of all nature, 
Thou of God and man the Son; 
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, 
Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. 

Fair are the meadows, 

Fairer still the woodlands, 

Robed in the blooming garb of spring; 

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, 

Who makes the woeful heart to sing. 

Fair is the sunshine, 

Fairer still the moonlight, 

And fair the twinkling, starry host; 

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer 

Than all the angels heaven can boast. 

From the German. 

DEAR Master, in whose life I see 
All that I would, but fail to be, 
Let Thy clear light forever shine, 
To shame and guide this life of mine. 

Though what I dream and what I do 

In my poor days are always two, 

Help me, oppressed by things undone, 

Thou, whose deeds and dreams were one! 

193 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PR AYER 

STILL, still with Thee, when purple morning 
breaketh, 
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee; 
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight, 
Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with 
Thee. 

Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows, 
The solemn hush of nature newly born; 

Alone with Thee in breathless adoration, 

In the calm dew and freshness of the morn. 

When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber, 
Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer; 

Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading, 
But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there. 

So shall it be at last, in that bright morning, 

When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee; 
O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning, 
Shall rise the glorious thought — I am with 
Thee. 

Harriet B. Stowe, 1812-1896. 

HOLY, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 
Early in the morning our song shall rise 
to Thee; 
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty; 
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! 
194 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee! 
Casting down their golden crowns around the 
glassy sea; 
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before 
Thee, 
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. 

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide 
Thee! 
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may 
not see; 
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, 
Perfect in power, in love and purity. 

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth 
and sky and sea; 
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty; 
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! 

Reginald Heber, 1783-1826. 

NEW every morning is the love 
Our wakening and uprising prove; 
Through sleep and darkness safely brought, 
Restored to life, and power, and thought. 

New mercies, each returning day, 
Hover around us while we pray; 

195 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

New perils past, new sins forgiven, 

New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. 

Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, 
As more of heaven in each we see; 
Some softening gleam of love and prayer 
Shall dawn on every cross and care. 

The trivial round, the common task, 
Will furnish all we need to ask, 
Room to deny ourselves, a road 
To bring us daily nearer God. 

John Keble, 1792-1866. 



JUST as I am, Thine own to be, 
Friend of the young, who lovest me, 
To consecrate myself to Thee, 
Jesus Christ, I come. 

In the glad morning of my day, 
My life to give, my vows to pay, 
With no reserve and no delay, 

With all my heart I come. 

I would live ever in the light, 
I would work ever for the right, 
I would serve Thee with all my might; 
Therefore to Thee I come. 

196 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Just as I am, young, strong, and free, 
To be the best that I can be, 
For truth, and righteousness, and Thee. 
Lord of my life, I come. 

M. A. Hearn, 1834. 

JESUS, Thou art standing 
Outside the fast-closed door, 
In lowly patience waiting 

To pass the threshold o'er: 

We bear the name of Christian, 

His name and sign we bear: 

Oh, shame, thrice shame, upon us! 

To keep Him standing there. 

Jesus, Thou art knocking; 

And lo! that hand is scarred, 
And thorns Thy brow encircle, 

And tears Thy face have marred: 
O love that passeth knowledge, 

So patiently to wait! 
sin that hath no equal, 

So fast to bar the gate! 

Jesus, Thou art pleading 

In accents meek and low, 
"I died for you, My children, 

And will ye treat Me so?" 

197 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Lord, with shame and sorrow 
We open now the door: 

Dear Savior, enter, enter, 
And leave us never more ! 

Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897, 

JESUS, I have promised 
To serve Thee to the end; 
Be Thou forever near me, 
My Master and my Friend; 

1 shall not fear the battle 
If Thou art by my side, 

Nor wander from the pathway, 
If Thou wilt be my Guide. 

let me feel Thee near me: 
The world is ever near; 

1 see the sights that dazzle, 
The tempting sounds I hear. 

My foes are ever near me, 

Around me and within; 
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, 

And shield my soul from sin, 

let me hear Thee speaking 

In accents clear and still, 
Above the storms of passion, 

The murmurs of self-will. 

198 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

speak to reassure me, 

To hasten or control; 
speak, and make me listen, 

Thou Guardian of my soul. 

Jesus, Thou hast promised 

To all who follow Thee 
That where Thou art in glory 

There shall Thy servant be: 
And, Jesus, I have promised 

To serve Thee to the end; 
O give me grace to follow, 

My Master and my Friend. 

/, E. Bode, 1816-1874 

r I THROUGH good report and evil, Lord, 
•*- Still guided by Thy faithful word, 
Our staff, our buckler, and our sword, 
We follow Thee. 

In silence of the lonely night, 
In the full glow of day's clear light, 
Through life's strange windings, dark or bright, 
We follow Thee. 

Strengthened by Thee we forward go, 
'Mid smile or scoff of friend or foe, 
Through pain or ease, through joy or woe, 
We follow Thee. 
199 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Great Master, point Thou out the way, 
Nor suffer Thou our steps to stray; 
Then in the path that leads to day 
We follow Thee. 

Thou hast passed on before our face, 
Thy footsteps on the way we trace; 
keep us, aid us by Thy grace: 
We follow Thee. 

Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889. 

OLORD of heaven and earth and sea, 
To Thee all praise and glory be! 
How shall we show our love to Thee, 

Who givest all? 
The golden sunshine, vernal air, 
Sweet flowers and fruit, Thy love declare; 
When harvests ripen, Thou art there, 

Who givest all. 
For peaceful homes and healthful days, 
For all the blessings earth displays, 
We owe Thee thankfulness and praise, 

Who givest all. 
For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven, 
For means of grace and hopes of heaven, 
Father, what can to Thee be given, 

Who givest all? 
200 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

We lose what on ourselves we spend, 
We have, as treasure without end, 
Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend, 
Who givest all. 

To Thee, from whom we all derive 
Our life, our gifts, our power to give; 
may we ever with Thee live, 
Who givest all! 
Bishop C. Wordsworth, 1807-1885. 

The Battle Hymn of the Reformation 

A MIGHTY Fortress is our God, 
A Bulwark never failing; 
Our Helper He, amid the flood 
Of mortal ills prevailing; 
For still our ancient foe 
Doth seek to work us woe; 
His craft and pow'r are great 
And, armed with cruel hate, 
On earth is not his equal. 

Did we in our own strength confide, 

Our striving would be losing; 
Were not the right Man on our side, 

The Man of God's own choosing; 

201 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Dost ask who that may be? 
Christ Jesus, it is He; 
Lord Sabaoth His name, 
From age to age the same, 
And He must win the battle. 

And though this world, with demons filled, 

Should threaten to undo us, 
We will not fear, for God hath willed 
His truth to triumph through us: 
The prince of darkness grim, 
We tremble not for him; 
His rage we can endure, 
For lo, his doom is sure, 
One little word shall fell him. 

That word above all earthly powers, 

No thanks to them, abideth; 
The Spirit and the gifts are ours 
Through Him who with us sideth: 
Let goods and kindred go, 
This mortal life also; 
The body they may kill; 
God's truth abideth still, 
His kingdom is forever. 
Martin Luther, 1483-1546 (translated by F. H. 
Hedge, 1852). 

202 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Recessional 

GOD of our fathers, known of old, 
Lord of our far-flung battle-line, 
Beneath Whose awful Hand we hold 

Dominion over palm and pine: 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget, lest we forget! 

The tumult and the shouting dies; 

The captains and the kings depart; 
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, 

An humble and a contrite heart: 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget, lest we forget! 

Far-called our navies melt away, 
On dune and headland sinks the fire; 

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday 
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! 

Judge of the nations, spare us yet, 

Lest we forget, lest we forget! 

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose 
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, 

Such boasting as the Gentiles use, 
Or lesser breeds without the law: 

Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 

Lest we forget, lest we forget! 

203 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

For heathen heart that puts her trust 

In reeking tube and iron shard; 
All valiant dust that builds on dust, 

And guarding, calls not Thee to guard : 
For frantic boast and foolish word, 
Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord! 

Rudyard Kipling, 1865. 

JESUS, strong and pure and true, 
Before Thy feet we bow: 
The grace of earlier years renew, 
And lead us onward now. 

The joyous life that year by year 

Within these walls is stored, 
The golden hope, the gladsome cheer, 

We bring to Thee, Lord. 

Our faith endow with keener powers, 

With warmer glow our love, 
And draw these halting hearts of ours 

From earth to heaven above. 

In paths our bravest ones have trod 

make us brave to go, 
That we may give our lives to God 

In serving man below. 

204 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Scorn we the selfish aim and choice, 

And love's high precept keep, 
"Rejoice with those that do rejoice, 

And weep with them that weep." 

So hence shall flow fresh strength and grace 

As from a full-fed spring, 
To make the world a better place, 

And life a worthier thing. 

Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. 

T^TERNAL FATHER, strong to save, 

-*— ^ Whose arm doth bind the restless wave, 

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep 

Its own appointed limits keep: 

hear us when we cry to Thee 

For those in peril on the sea. 

Savior, whose almighty word 
The winds and waves submissive heard, 
Who walkedst on the foaming deep 
And calm amid its rage didst sleep: 
hear us when we cry to Thee 
For those in peril on the sea. 

Sacred Spirit, who didst brood 
Upon the chaos dark and rude, 
Who badd'st its angry tumult cease, 

205 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

And gavest light and life and peace: 
hear us when we cry to Thee 
For those in peril on the sea. 

Trinity of love and power, 

Our brethren shield in danger's hour; m 

From rock and tempest, fire and foe, 

Protect them wheresoe'er they go; 

And ever let there rise to Thee 

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea. 

William Whiting, 1825-1878. 

JESUS, Savior, pilot me, 
Over life's tempestuous sea; 
Unknown waves before me roll, 
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal; 
Chart and compass came from Thee: 
Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 

As a mother stills her child, 
Thou canst hush the ocean wild; 
Boisterous waves obey Thy will 
When Thou sayst to them, "Be still!" 
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, 
Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 

When at last I near the shore, 
And the fearful breakers roar 

206 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Twixt me and the peaceful rest, 
Then, while leaning on Thy breast, 
May I hear Thee say to me, 
"Fear not, I will pilot thee!" 

Edward Hopper. 

MAY He our actions deign to bless, 
And loose the bonds of wickedness; 
From sudden falls our feet defend, 
And guide us safely to the end. 

May faith, deep rooted in the soul, 
Subdue our flesh, our minds control: 
May guile depart, and discord cease, 
And all within be joy and peace. 

0, hallowed thus by every day; 
Let meekness be our morning ray, 
Our faith like noontide splendor glow, 
Our souls the twilight never know. 
Translated from the Latin by /. Chandler, 1806- 
1876. 



AWAKE, my soul, stretch every nerve, 
And press with vigor on; 
A heavenly race demands thy zeal, 
And an immortal crown. 

207 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

A crowd of witnesses around 

Holds thee in full survey; 
Forget the steps already trod, 

And onward urge thy way. 

Tis God's all-animating voice 

That calls thee from on high; 
'Tis His own hand presents the prize 

To thine aspiring eye. . . . 

Blest Savior, introduced by Thee, 

Have I my race begun; 
And, crowned with victory, at Thy feet 

I'll lay my honors down. 

Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751. 

OFT in danger, oft in woe, 
Onward, Christians, onward go; 
Fight the fight, maintain the strife, 
Strengthened with the bread of life. 

Onward, Christians, onward go; 
Join the war and face the foe; 
Will ye flee in danger's hour? 
Know ye not your Captain's power? 

Let your drooping hearts be glad; 
March in heavenly armor clad; 

208 



PRAYERS IN VERSB 

Fight, nor think the battle long, 
Victory soon shall tune your song. 

Let not sorrow dim your eye; 
Soon shall every tear be dry; 
Let not fears your course impede, 
Great your strength, if great your need. 

Onward, then, in battle move; 
More than conquerors ye shall prove; 
Though opposed by many a foe, 
Christian soldiers, onward go. 
H. K. White, 1785-1806, and F. 5. Colquhoun, 
1809-1877. 

FATHER, hear the prayer we offer; 
Not for ease that prayer shall be 
But for strength that we may ever 
Live our lives courageously. 

Not forever in green pastures 

Do we ask our way to be; 
But the steep and rugged pathway 

May we tread rejoicingly. 

Not forever by still waters 

Would we idly rest and stay; 
But would smite the living fountains 

From the rocks along our way. 

209 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Be our Strength in hours of weakness, 
In our wanderings be our Guide; 

Through endeavor, failure, danger, 
Father, be Thou at our side. 

L. M. Willis. 



HE leadeth me! blessed thought, 
words with heavenly comfort fraught; 
Whate'er I do, where'er I be, 
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. 

Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom, 
Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, 
By waters still, o'er troubled sea, 
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. 

Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine, 
Nor ever murmur nor repine; 
Content, whatever lot I see, 
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me. 

And when my task on earth is done, 
When, by Thy grace, the victory's won, 
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, 
Since God through Jordan leadeth me. 

/. H. Gilmore. 



210 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

LEAD, kindly Light, amid the encircling 
gloom, 

Lead Thou me on; 
The night is dark, and I am far from home, 

Lead Thou me on. 
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see 
The distant scene; one step enough for me. 

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou 

Shouldst lead me on; 
I loved to choose and see my path; but now 

Lead Thou me on. 
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, 
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years. 

So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it still 

Will lead me on, 
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent till 

The night is gone; 
And with the morn those angel faces smile, 
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. 1 
/. H. Newman, 1801-1891. 



1 This is not — as is often supposed — a funereal hymn, but was 
written by Newman at the age of twenty-three at a time of deep 
concern and much prayer about his life work. 

211 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

1 WORSHIP Thee, sweet Will of God! 
And all Thy ways adore, 
And every day I live I seem 

To love Thee more and more. . . . 

When obstacles and trials seem 

Like prison-walls to be, 
I do the little I can do, 

And leave the rest to Thee. . . . 

I have no cares, blessed Will ! 

For all my cares are Thine; 
I live in triumph, Lord! for Thou 

Hast made Thy triumphs mine. . . . 

He always wins who sides with God, 

To him no chance is lost; 
God's will is sweetest to him when 

It triumphs at his cost. 

Ill that He blesses is our good, 

And unblest good is ill; 
And all is right that seems most wrong, 

If it be His sweet will. 

Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863. 



THOU didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly 
crown 
When Thou earnest to earth for me; 

212 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

But in Bethlehem's home was there found no 
room 

For Thy holy nativity: 
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, 

There is room in my heart for Thee. 

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang, 

Proclaiming Thy royal degree; 
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth, 

And in great humility: 
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, 

There is room in my heart for Thee. 

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest, 

In the shade of the forest tree; 
But Thy couch was the sod, Thou Son of God, 

In the deserts of Galilee. 
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, 

There is room in my heart for Thee. 

Thou earnest, Lord, with the living word 
That should set Thy people free; 

But with mocking scorn, and with crown of 
thorn, 
They bore Thee to Calvary. 

Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, 
Thy cross is my only plea. 



213 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing 

At Thy coming to victory, 
Let Thy voice call me home, saying, "Yet there 
is room, 
There is room at My side for thee." 
And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, 
When Thou comest and callest for me. 

Emily E. 5. Elliott. 

JESUS, the very thought of Thee 
With sweetness fills my breast; 
But sweeter far Thy face to see 
And in Thy presence rest. 

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, 

Nor can the memory find 
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name, 

Savior of mankind! 

Hope of every contrite heart, 

Joy of all the meek, 
To those who ask, how kind Thou art! 

How good to those who seek! 

But what to those who find? Ah, this 

Nor tongue, nor pen can show; 
The love of Jesus, what it is, 

None but His loved ones know. 

214 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Jesus, our only joy be Thou, 

As Thou our prize wilt be; 
In Thee be all our glory now, 

And through eternity. 

Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153. 

OUR blest Redeemer, ere He breathed 
His tender, last farewell, 
A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed 
With us to dwell. 

He comes, sweet influence to impart, 

A gracious, willing Guest, 
While He can find one humble heart 

Wherein to rest. 

And His that gentle voice we hear, 

Soft as the breath of even, 
That checks each fault, that calms each fear, 

And speaks of heaven. 

And every virtue we possess, 

And every victory won, 
And every thought of holiness 

Are His alone. 



215 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Spirit of purity and grace, 
I Our weakness, pitying, see: 
O make our hearts Thy dwelling-place, 
And worthier Thee. 

Harriet Auber, 1773-1862. 

ROCK OF AGES, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in Thee; 
Let the water and the blood, 
From Thy riven side which flowed, 
Be of sin the double cure; 
Cleanse me from its guilt and power. 

Not the labors of my hands 
Can fulfil Thy law's demands; 
Could my zeal no respite know, 
Could my tears forever flow, 
All for sin could not atone; 
Thou must save, and Thou alone. 

Nothing in my hand I bring; 
Simply to Thy cross I cling; 
Naked, come to Thee for dress; 
Helpless, look to Thee for grace; 
Foul, I to the Fountain fly; 
Wash me, Savior, or I die! 



216 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

While I draw this fleeting breath, 
When my eyelids close in death, 
When I soar to worlds unknown, 
See Thee on Thy judgment-throne; 
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in Thee. 

A. M. Toplady, 1740-1778. 

MY faith looks up to Thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary, 
Savior divine! 
Now hear me while I pray, 
Take all my guilt away, 
let me from this day 

Be wholly Thine. 

May Thy rich grace impart 
Strength to my fainting heart, 

My zeal inspire; 
As Thou hast died for me, 
0, may my love to Thee 
Pure, warm, and changeless be, 

A living fire. 

While life's dark maze I tread, 
And griefs around me spread, 
Be Thou my guide; 



217 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

Bid darkness turn to day, 
Wipe sorrow's tears away, 
Nor let me ever stray 

From Thee aside. 

When ends life's transient dream, 
When death's cold, sullen stream 

Shall o'er me roll, 
Blest Savior, then, in love, 
Fear and distrust remove; 
0, bear me safe above, 

A ransomed soul. 

Ray Palmer, 1808. 

JESUS, Thou Joy of loving hearts, 
Thou Fount of Life, Thou Light of men, 
From the best bliss that earth imparts 
We turn unfilled to Thee again. 

Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; 

Thou savest those that on Thee call; 
To them that seek Thee, Thou art good, 

To them that find Thee, All in all! 

We taste Thee, Thou living Bread, 
And long to feast upon Thee still; 

We drink of Thee, the Fountain-head, 
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill. 

218 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Our restless spirits yearn for Thee, 

Where'er our changeful lot is cast; 
Glad, when Thy gracious smile we see, 

Blest, when our faith can hold Thee fast. 
Jesus, ever with us stay, 

Make all our moments calm and bright: 
Chase the dark night of sin away, 

Shed o'er the world Thy holy light. 

Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153. 

MASTER, let me walk with Thee 
In lowly paths of service free; 
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear 
The strain of toil, the fret of care. 
Help me the slow of heart to move 
By some clear, winning word of love; 
Teach me the wayward feet to stay, 
And guide them in the homeward way. 
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee 
In closer, dearer company, 
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, 
In trust that triumphs over wrong; 
In hope that sends a shining ray 
Far down the future's broadening way; 
In peace that only Thou canst give, 
With Thee, Master, let me live. 

Washington Gladden. 
219 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

NOW the day is over, 
Night is drawing nigh, 
Shadows of the evening 
Steal across the sky, 

Jesus, give the weary 

Calm and sweet repose; 
With Thy tenderest blessing 

May our eyelids close. 

Grant to little children 

Visions bright of Thee; 
Guard the sailors tossing 

On the deep, blue sea. 

Comfort every sufferer 

Watching late in pain; 
Those who plan some evil 

From their sins restrain. 

Through the long night-watches 

May Thine angels spread 
Their white wings above me, 

Watching round my bed. 

When the morning wakens, 

Then may I arise 
Pure and fresh and sinless 
In Thy holy eyes. 

5. Baring-Gould. 
220 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

AT even, ere the sun was set, 
The sick, Lord, around Thee lay; 
Oh, in what divers pains they met! 
Oh, with what joy they went away! 

Once more 'tis eventide, and we 

Oppressed with various ills, draw near, 

What if Thy form we cannot see? 
We know and feel that Thou art here. 

Savior Christ, our woes dispel ; 

For some are sick, and some are sad, 
And some have never loved Thee well, 

And some have lost the love they had. 

And none, Lord, have perfect rest, 
For none are wholly free from sin; 

And they who fain would serve Thee best 
Are conscious most of wrong within. 

Savior Christ, Thou too art Man; 

Thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried; 
Thy kind but searching glance can scan 

The very wounds that shame would hide! 

Thy touch has still its ancient power; 

No word from Thee can fruitless fall; 
Hear in this solemn evening hour, 
And in Thy mercy heal us all. 

Henry Twells. 
221 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

OLOVE that wilt not let me go, 
I rest my weary soul in Thee; 
I give Thee back the life I owe, 
That in Thine ocean depths its flow 
May richer, fuller be. 

Light that followest all my way, 
I yield my flickering torch to Thee; 

My heart restores its borrowed ray, 

That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day 
May brighter, fairer be. 

Joy that seekest me through pain, 
I cannot close my heart to Thee; 

1 trace the rainbow through the rain, 
And feel the promise is not vain 

That morn shall tearless be. 

Cross that liftest up my head, 

I dare not ask to fly from Thee; 

1 lay in dust life's glory dead, 

And from the ground there blossoms red 
Life that shall endless be. 

George Matheson. 

THROUGH the day Thy love has spared us; 
Now we lay us down to rest; 
Through the silent watches guard us, 
222 



PRAYERS IN VERSE 

Let no foe our peace molest: 

Jesus, Thou our Guardian be, 
Sweet it is to trust in Thee. 

Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers, 

Dwelling in the midst of foes; 
Us and ours preserve from dangers, 
In Thine arms may we repose, 

And, when life's brief day is past, 
Rest with Thee in heaven at last. 

T. Kelly, 1769-1855. 

TT^OR all the saints who from their labors 
-*- rest, 

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, 
Thy name, Jesu, be forever blest. 
Alleluia! 

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their 

Might; 
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought 

fight; 
Thou in the darkness drear their one true light. 
Alleluia! 

may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, 
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, 
And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold. 
Alleluia! 

223 



THE ENRICHMENT OF PRAYER 

blest communion! fellowship divine! 
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; 
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. 
Alleluia! 

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, 
Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, 
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. 
Alleluia! 

The golden evening brightens in the west; 
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest; 
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. 
Alleluia! 

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; 
The saints triumphant rise in bright array: 
The King of Glory passes on His way. 
Alleluia! 

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest 

coast, 
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless 

host, 
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost 
Alleluia! 
Bishop Walsham How, 1823-1897. 



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